Eggplant 'Black Beauty'

Product: Eggplant 'Black Beauty'

Product type: SEED (50)

Botanical name: Solanum melongena

Syn. aubergine, brinjal. Heirloom variety introduced in 1902, the fruits are dark purple and glossy with an excellent flavour. Fruits are 25 cm long and weigh up to 1 kg. It is a reliable, early and prolific bearer. Eggplants are attractive plants with grey-green leaves and pretty lilac flowers.

Plant type: Warm season annual

Plant height: 60 – 90 cm

Sow when: Germinate best at 23 - 28°C soil temp.

Temperate: Early spring - inside with extra heat; outside after frost danger has passed

Subtropical: Spring

Tropical: All year, perennial in the tropics

Germination: 10 - 14 days

Depth: 5 - 8 mm deep

Position: Full sun

Sow where: Into seedling pots, transplant when soil is warm

Soil type: Fertile well-drained soil pH 5.5 - 6.5

Rows: 60 cm apart

Details: Keep moisture constant to avoid bitterness

Harvest: 73 - 80 days: pick fruit before the seeds turn brown and while the skin is still shiny and firm