Dusky
Eggplant in the US

Eggplant seeds need warmth to get going, so starting them indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost is the way to go. Sow them about 1/4 inch deep in good quality seed compost, one or two seeds per small pot or cell. Keep the compost consistently moist and aim for a temperature around 70-80°F (21-27°C) for good germination. Depending on your USDA zone, you could be sowing from January right through to July or even September in the warmest spots. Check your zone's specific sow dates in the GrowMore CookMore app, as it makes a big difference.

Once your seedlings have their first true leaves, prick them out into individual 3-4 inch pots if you started multiple in a cell. Keep them warm and watered. About 1-2 weeks before transplanting outside, start hardening them off gradually. Plant them out after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has really warmed up, spacing them 2-3 feet apart. Many varieties benefit from some support, like a sturdy stake, as the fruits can get heavy. Compact varieties do well in large containers too.