Eggplant is a warm season crop that thrives in the heat of summer. A healthy addition to any meal, eggplant is high in fiber and a source of potassium, iron and protein. Growing Tips: Sow seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks prior to the last frost. Seed germination is quite slow and a warm soil temperature of 18 to 21°C should be maintained to encourage optimum growth. Plant seedlings in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny sheltered spot.