Eggplant (bringelle) is a warm-season favourite in Mauritius, essential for curries, rougailles, and grilled dishes. It thrives in the hot, humid summer months and is one of the most productive home garden crops.

Local names: Bringel, Aubergine, Eggplant

Months: September, October, November, December, January, February, March

Plant from September to March during the warm season. Needs consistent heat for fruit set.

• Soil type: Rich, well-drained loamy soil
• pH: 5.5–6.5
• Compost: Enrich with plenty of compost and aged manure. Eggplants are heavy feeders and benefit from rich soil.

• Seed type: Transplant seedlings (start indoors 6–8 weeks before planting out)
• Spacing: 50–60 cm between plants, 75 cm between rows
• Watering: Deep watering 2–3 times per week. Mulch heavily to retain moisture.
• Sunlight: Full sun (8+ hours daily)

Organic options:

• Compost
• Cow manure
• Fish emulsion every 2 weeks

Chemical options:

• NPK 10-10-10
• Potassium sulphate at flowering

Fruit and shoot borer

• Natural remedy: Neem oil spray and removal of affected shoots
• Chemical fallback: Cypermethrin

Spider mites

• Natural remedy: Strong water spray and neem oil
• Chemical fallback: Abamectin

• Days to maturity: 65–80 days
• Indicators: Skin is glossy and firm. Press with thumb — if it springs back, it is ready. Dull skin means overripe.
• Yield tips: Harvest regularly to encourage continuous fruiting. Use secateurs to cut fruit with a short stem attached.

• Duration: 5–7 days
• Temperature: Store at 10–12°C. Do not refrigerate below 10°C as cold causes chilling injury.
• Tips: Use within a few days for best flavour. Wrap individually in paper to prevent bruising.