I've never had any difficulty transplanting them. Seedlings for sale are quite common so I'd guess that for most they transplant just fine. I think in your zone transplants would be mandatory though down here I can direct seed them.

Vine or not depends on the variety. I grow Ichiban, Black Beauty, and Rose Bianca and none of them vine. They are just 4' tall sturdy plants about the size of a large pepper plant. They need some support because of the weight of the fruit.

Dave

Eggplant transplants okay, as long as the soil is warm enough. I think they are the most cold-sensitive of the potato/tomato/pepper family.

My neighbor made wire mesh circles around her eggplants, then wrapped the mesh with dollar-store (food type) plastic wrap, leaving the tops open. Hers did better than mine.

Sue

digdirt...im in zone 7a, and am trying to grow eggplant from seed, indoors, and they dont seem to sprout. i have them on top of the refrigerator but its a new samsung and it doesnt seem to give alot of heat off.

can i simply start the seeds outdoors here? will they make it to fruiting, with the short season?

any advice from anyone is appreciated. thanks.

I sold eggplant plants at my farmer's market booth last year and had a few people come back and tell me their plants did well.

Andrea