Specialty Eggplants
This mixed seed packet offers an easy way to grow the three best varieties of hybrid Asian eggplants. Their glossy, tender skins enclose succulent, creamy-smooth flesh, that is never bitter and easy to quickly slice and cook. These beauties are borne in abundance with multiple clusters of slender, elongated fruits on well-branched, extra-early plants.
Seeds are color coded with USDA food grade stain to distinguish varieties; make sure to plant some of each.
Yellow seed = Asian Bride magenta eggplant
Green seed = Charming white eggplant
Pink seed = Farmer’s Long purple eggplant
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February - March
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10 - 21 days
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April - June
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Full sun
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2 - 2½ feet
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Approx. 65-70 days
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Best To Start Indoors In early spring, start indoors about 2 months before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55F (10-13C) range. Sow seeds 1/4 in. deep and 1 in. apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist and warm 80-85F (27-30C), and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 in. tall, transplant into deeper individual containers. Maintain at 70-75F (21-24C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 2 ft. apart into rich soil in full sun.
Growing Notes Don't transplant these heat-lovers outdoors until nights stay securely above 55F (13C). Prepare soil with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots and mulch well. Fertilize plants regularly, at least monthly, throughout the season.
Harvest and Use: Pick when fruits have sized up and are firm fleshed and glossy. Harvest Charming babies at 3 to 6 inches, Asian Bride at 7 to 8 inches, and Farmers Long at 9 to 11 inches, or before fruits get dull and seedy. Slice for great sautés or halve lengthwise, brush with oil and grill with your favorite herbs and cheese or Asian-style seasonings.
