This crop is well adapted to tropical areas, with an optimum growth temperature of 21–29 °C and preferably little temperature variation. It responds positively to well drained soils of medium texture and good aeration. Moderately deep soils are required, since this crop develops a strong taproot with a branched root system that does not spread widely. Eggplant requires high levels of potassium, and and removes it at a rate ~40% higher than nitrogen.