The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Solanum melongena. Gorgeous teardrop shaped eggplant featuring dark purple-black fruit which are extremely consistent in size and shape. They are borne on strong plants with ample foliage. Excellent for Indian curries, bharta and for roasting..[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. 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]
Common Diseases and Pests
- Weeds, insects, nematode, viral/fungal/bacterial diseases[2]
Useful Resources
- https://www.seedsofindia.com/shop/search/swapna(Seed Source)
- https://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/fruits-nuts-vegetables/Vegetables/files/eggplant/FS_Veg_Eggplant.pdf
- http://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/vegetables/eggplant/
- https://sfbaygardening.com/resources/bay-area-planting-calendar/
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.