Eggplants are slower growers than tomatoes, and as Nematode said they like heat and warm soil much more than tomatoes.
I start my seeds very early, Feb-March. They are now sized for plant out but the soil temp is borderline. It's a balancing act. If you wait too long to plant out, they won't have time to set fruit and ripen. Sometimes all I get is a huge plant with giant blossoms.
Personally, I would buy a quality plant as insurance to get a ripe fruit this year. Then you can enjoy your seeded eggplants as bonuses and share with friends if they
produce.
- Lisa
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