The wild eggplant is spiny having bitter fruits and originated in the region of India and Pakistan. It was domesticated in the regions of Assam and Burma over 4000 years ago. The species name "melongena" is an ancient Sanskrit word for eggplant. Trade brought it to China where it was a favorite of the Emporers, and has been grown since around 500 BC. It migrated to Africa and Europe through Arabia and Persia. Arabic records show eggplant as being immensely popular from the early 9th Century onwards.
The Spanish Moors introduced eggplant to Southern and Eastern Europe where it gained popularity from Spain northwards. The Spanish introduced it to Central America in the 1500s, but it did not gain popularity in America until the 1800s, when Thomas Jefferson introduced a white, prickly skinned variety in 1806 from a friend in France.
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Approx 25 seeds per pack.
Planting Instructions
Indoors: 8 - 10 weeks before soil and temperature are thoroughly warm, plant seeds 1/4 - 1/2" deep in flats. Keep soil temperature at 70 - 75F. Germinatioon takes 14 - 21 days.
Transplant seedlings when 2 - 3" high into individual pots.
Transplant out into garden site in full sun, 2 1/2 - 3' apart about 3 weeks after last frost date. Provide sufficient moisture, especially when fruits are setting.
Eggplants are ripe when skin has a high gloss. Once nighttime temperatures are above 70F, continuous harvesting will ensure continued fruiting.
The Pumpkin Tree has fascinating, shiny, orange-red, 3 in., "pumpkins" grow abundantly on black branches whose leaves have spines along the midribs.
Highly ornamental in the garden. Cut branches are becoming popular in fall flower arrangements and as decorations. The fruits are pleasantly bitter and used in Asian stir-fries.
65-70 days
Approx 35 seeds per pack
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The Long Purple Italian Eggplant is a very productive long dark purple club shaped Italian type from the 1850s. Looks like a purple zucchini.
8-10" long x 2 1/2" in diameter with very tender and flavorful yet firm mild flesh. Has a milder, more delicate flavor than regular eggplant, with four or more fruit per plant.
70-80 days
Approx 100 seeds per pack
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The Ukrainian Beauty Eggplant has excellent yields of large, blocky, dark purple fruits with a slight green cast. Originally from Yalta, Ukraine, this beauty was brought over by a Peace Corps volunteer who obtained seeds from a Crimean plant researcher.
Midseason eggplant from 3'-4' tall bushy plants.
75 days
Approx 100 seeds per pack
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Listada de Gandia eggplant was introduced into southern France from Spain around 1850. Thin skinned Italian type with stunning white egg-shaped fruit covered with purple to lavender stripes, 6-10" long. 14 " tall plants are heavy producers.
Thrives in hot weather, sets fruit well in heat, not recommended for northern states. Very delicious, creamy texture and non bitter.
Certified Organic
75-90 days
Approx 100 seeds per pack
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Black Beauty Eggplant is the classic eggplant that is the standard by which large eggplant are measured. Very productive and early, uniform ripening made this the eggplant of choice by market growers and home gardeners. Introduced in 1902 by W. Atlee Burpee. Best used fresh, just after harvesting.
Bushy spreading 24-30 in. plant with 4-6 in. purplish black smooth oval 6.5 x 5 in. diameter fruit, blunt & broad at blossom end, retains color well, 1-3 lbs., holds well, high quality, fine flavor, yields well in the North if the season is long.
72-85 days
Approx 25 seeds per pack
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