Produces large 0.5-1.4 kg (1-3 lbs), glossy, dark purple fruit. Compact plants grow 53-75 cm (20-30") tall and can produce 12 fruit per plant. The thin-skinned, creamy textured fruit with a mild flavor is a favorite for Mediterranean-style cooking.
SKU: 137812
Growing Information
Grows Best In:
Full Sun
Days to Germination:
7 to 14 days
Water Needs:
Average 2.5-5 cm (1-2") per week
Days to Maturity:
80 days (after transplanting outdoors)
Key Features
Plant Type: Vegetable
Botanical Name: Solanum melongena
Fill Weight (grams): 0.2
Approximate Seed Count: 40-45
Characteristics: frost-sensitive
Planting Method: Start Indoors
Plant Lifecycle: Annual
Seed Type: Heirloom
Water Needs: Average 2.5-5 cm (1-2") per week
Flavor: Tender, rich, and full eggplant flavor
Preparation Ideas: Popular in mediterranean dishes.
Instructions
Growing Instructions:
Start eggplant seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Follow the seed depth and spacing guidelines indicated below. Once all danger of frost has passed, seedlings should be hardened off before planting in their growing location. Seedlings should be transplanted according to the plant and row spacing directions below. Regularly monitor your plants and ensure that the soil remains moist, but not soggy while they establish themselves in their new environment. Use a low nitrogen fertilizer as nitrogen promotes leaf growth at the expense of producing fruit.
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Planting Depth: 6 mm (1/4")
Seed Spacing: 5 cm (2")
Plant Spacing: 45 cm (18")
Row Spacing: 60 cm (24")
Instructions for Nutrient Care: Feed plants SUPERthrive once per week. Mix 1.2 ml (1/4 tsp) per 4L (1 gallon) of water in a watering can and apply solution to the base of the plants.
Suggestions
Growing Suggestions:
Eggplants dislike cold weather and it is recommended to wait until the outside temperature is 15˚C (60˚F) before transplanting seedlings outdoors.
Remove any fruit or flowers that have developed before transplanting so the plant can put its energy into root and stem development and acclimate to the outdoor environment.
Always water under the foliage, right at ground level. Overhead watering leaves the fruit and foliage wet, which invites disease.
Plants can be supported with a stake or a tomato cage, installed at the time of transplanting. If placed later you run the risk of damaging plant roots.
Eggplants are self-pollinating, and do not require pollination to produce fruit.
The number one pest to eggplants is the flea beetle. As soon as you transplant seedlings in the ground cover them with a row cover for protection.
Harvest often to encourage more fruit production. Look for shiny, glossy skin and gently squeeze the eggplant, if the skin bounces back after being released it is ready to harvest. If indentations remain, the fruit is not quite ripe. Cut the stem approximatley 2.5 cm (1") above the 'cap' - do not pull the fruit off the stem as this cause damage and impact fruit production.