The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Solanum melongena. This selected eggplant is round and resembles a green marble, light green color with dark green line pattern, 5 x 5 cm diameter. A variety that was made famous in Karnataka where it is known as "matti gulla", and is offered to Lord Krishna.[1]
Seed Type
Organic
Heirloom
Non-GMO
Hybrid
Open-pollinated
Untreated
Additional Information
Container Friendly
Staking Required
Easy to Grow
Pollinator Friendly
When to Plant Your Seedling
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Growing Conditions
Light
Temperature
Soil
Water
Full Sun
70-95 F
Well drained. Sandy – earlier planting; Medium texture - highest yields
Regular but moderate watering
Planting Tips
Plant Spacing
Plant Size
Days to Maturity
12-24"
35"
40-50 days from transplant
Additional instructions: Usually transplanted in spring using mulches or row covers to protect seedlings.[1] Sensitive to frost at all stages.
Hand-pollinate by shaking the flowers to improve the fruit set. Stake plants to prevent branches from breaking due to fruit production and to keep the fruit off the soil.[3]
Harvesting instructions: Hand harvest by cutting stem. Cool by placing immediately in cold water. Eggplant has a short storage and shelf-life, less than 14 days. Harvest when the flesh is glossy and gives slightly under thumb pressure. Use a pruning shears or knife to clip the stem.
Don't leave mature fruit on the plants because it will suppress new fruit production.[3]
Storage of ripe fruit is possible for ripe fruit at 50-54oF and 90-95% Relative Humidity. Fruit are very sensitive to chilling injury and to ethylene exposure. [2]