Solanum melongena

Eggplant

Although the eggplant is a staple in cultures worldwide, this culinary oddity is ignored by far too many American gardeners and deserves a spot in the garden. Eggplants are remarkably versatile, taking on the flavor of whatever they are cooked with. They are very low in calories and fat, high in fiber, a good source of an assortment of minerals, and have a very low glycemic index.

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The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 75–90°F
Seed Depth ¼"
Days to Emergence 5–17
Soil Temp for Transplant 65–85°F
Plant Spacing 12–18"
Row Spacing 2–3'
Fertilizer Needs High
Minimum Germination 70%
Seeds per Gram ≈ 200
Seed Life 2 years

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More About The Seeds & Plants

Eggplant Disease Resistance Key

Bacterial Wilt Bacterial disease causing rapid wilting, plant collapse.
Botrytis, Gray Mold Fungal disease causing gray mold, plant rot.
Tomato Mosaic Virus Viral disease causing mottled leaves, stunted growth.

* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

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Solanum melongena

Days to maturity are calculated from transplant date.

Culture
• Eggplants are heat-loving plants that require a long growing season
• Plants grow best in fertile, well-drained soil; raised beds and black mulch provide extra warmth in the spring
• Use row cover until first blooms appear
• Optimum growth occurs with day temp. of 80-90°F and night temp. of 70+°F

Direct Sowing
• Not recommended

Transplanting
• Sow indoors 8-10 weeks prior to anticipated transplant date
• When plants have their second set of true leaves, up-pot them into 3-4 inch pots, 1 per container
• Transplant hardened-off plants when night temperatures are above 50°F
• Use 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer and a shovelful of compost around each plant

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Flea beetles, aphids, and potato beetles
• Insect control: Pyrethrin and row covers
• Common diseases: Verticillium and Fusarium wilts
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation

Harvest & Storage
• Harvest when skin is still smooth and shiny and the fruit is firm, using sharp shears
• Check your plants frequently, every 2-3 days, during peak harvest season
• Over mature fruit will be soft and seed will begin to darken
• Wash only when ready to use; do not wash before storing
• Fruit can be held for 7-10 days at 45-55°F and 90-95% humidity. Skin may become damaged if kept in refrigeration too long
• Eggplant can be stored for up to two weeks in a humid environment warmer than 50°F

KEY TO EGGPLANT DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE
B | Bacterial Wilt
BO | Botrytis, Gray Mold
ToMV | Tomato Mosaic Virus

Our Staff's Best Bet

An Eggplant That Shines in Every Garden

Gaudi Eggplant is our “Employee Favorite” thanks to its outstanding qualities: it delivers early, reliable yields on strong upright bushes, features uniform, glossy, deep-black fruits with spineless, bright green calyxes, and holds color and firmness impressively post-harvest.

Gaudi Eggplant

Vegetable | eggplant

From $14.75

Early, productive, classic eggplant for open field or under cover.
76 days. Harvest lots of glossy, 6 ¼ inch, ebony-colored eggplants from robust plants. These fruit retain their color and boast an extended shelf life for stable, attractive market displays.