The eggplant is related to the tomato; it requires warm soil and air temperatures and thrives in full sun. Eggplants prefer dryer soil conditions; over-watering can cause root rot.
The eggplant is considered an annual in temperate zones and a perennial in the tropics. Due to the large, lobed leaves, clusters of violet, star-shaped flowers, and round, oval of oblong waxy blackish purple fruit, the eggplant has an ornamental appearance. Some varieties can have red, yellowish or green fruit.
Eggplants started from seeds should be planted indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting into gardens. Seeds germinate in about 5 -13 days and should be transplanted into larger containers and exposed to full sunlight once the first leaves have opened (approximately 20 days).
The eggplant is rich in vitamin C and potassium and helps to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels. The fruit is an antidote to poisonous mushrooms, as well as a topical relief for abscesses and inflammations. The leaves have a narcotic effect on sores and hemorrhages.