Description
Long Purple Eggplant is an Italian-type heirloom variety of long, slender, matte-purple eggplants that grow up 9 inches long by 2 inches in diameter, through best harvested when 1 inch in diameter. Long Purple eggplants are highly absorbent of flavors & oils & are excellent stuffed, grilled, roasted, & as a meat substitute in vegetarian or vegan dishes. Also a great source of dietary fiber, iron, potassium, & protein. Grows well in container gardens & pots. Also Known As: Italian Eggplant, Aubergine, Brinjal Eggplants, Melongene, Guinea Squash, Baingan We ship in 1 business day. Shipped with USPS First Class Mail. Plant Name: Eggplant, Long Purple Latin Name: Solanum melongena Days to Germinate: 7-14 Days to Harvest: 75 Growth Habit: Bush USDA Zones: 5-12 Lifespan: Annual Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade GMO: No Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated Brand: TomorrowSeeds Fungicide-Treated Seeds: No Seeds Packed For 2024 Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up & growing. Do not eat treated seeds. Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool & dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Remove large weeds, large rocks, & litter from the planting area. Spade the soil 6-10 inches deep & turn each shovel of soil over completely to till soil. Eggplant prefers well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soils with a pH between 5.5 & 7.2. You may add fertilizer (see "Fertilizing" below) or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay over planting area at this point. The higher the organic matter content of the soil the better, so it may be beneficial to incorporate a 3-4 inch layer of compost if possible. Planting: Although eggplant can be seeded directly into the garden, it may be better for beginner gardeners to use transplants. For transplants, start seeds 6-8 weeks indoors before transplanting outside. Seeds may germinate more quickly, in 5-7 days, if kept at 86 degrees & may take up to 14 days if germinated at 65 degrees F. Eggplant is a tropical plant so it is sensitive to cold & should not be planted outside until after all risk of frost has passed & daytime temperatures are at least 65 degrees F. The plants will grow to 2-4 feet upright bushes so space transplants 2 - 2 1/2 feet apart. To direct sow, make 1 inch deep holes spaced 2 - 2 1/2 feet apart in raised beds down rows 2-4 feet apart, then plant 6-8 seeds in each hole. Cover thinly with soil & water after planting. Planting Depth: 1 inch Within-Row Spacing: 2 - 2 1/2 feet Between-Row Spacing: 2-4 feet Care During the Season: Watering: Water the eggplants at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots. High temperatures, high winds, & sandy soils will increase the need for water.
