"Solanum melongena: This member of the nightshade family originated in India and spread to China. Related to the tomato and pepper, the eggplant is named for its large, pendulous fruit. Enjoyed in many dishes, it will absorb the flavor of whatever they are cooked with. This culinary oddity is ignored by far too many gardeners and deserves a spot in your garden. In cooler climates, eggplant can be successfully grown under cloches and in greenhouses.

CULTURE: Eggplants are heat-loving plants that require a long growing season. They enjoy daytime temperatures of 80-90°F and night temperatures in the 70s. To successfully grow them in cool or short season climates, they need to be started inside. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost. Using a sterile seedling mix, make a furrow in a nursery tray about 1/4 inch deep and sow the seed fairly thick. Cover and keep soil moist but not too wet. Provide bottom heat if possible, to get the soil temperature up to at least 75°F. If the soil temperature is maintained at 80°F (optimum), germination occurs in 5-13 days. When plants have their second set of true leaves, up-pot them into 3-4 inch pots, one per container. Feed seedlings a well-balanced liquid grow formula. About 2 weeks before transplanting, harden off your starts by exposing them to nighttime temperatures as low as 40°F. You can expect some loss of weaker plants. Hardened off transplants will readily adapt to the garden and will get off to a better start. Set out when there is no longer a danger of frost. We usually wait until June 1st at our short season research farm. Eggplants will appreciate 1 cup of our complete fertilizer banded below each plant. The eggplant bed also is a good place to deposit extra chicken or rabbit manure. Space plants 12-18 inches apart, in rows 2-3 feet apart.
MULCHES & PLANT COVERS: It has been proven that using these materials helps plants grow faster, flower sooner, and yield more fruit. We recommend silver or black mulch for eggplants, plus a row cover of Reemay or Grow Guard 20 early in the season. Consult the Season Extender section in the catalog.
DISEASES: Verticillium and Fusarium wilts affect eggplants. These can best be controlled by using resistant varieties and by proper rotation and good garden sanitation.
INSECTS/ PESTS: Insect pests include flea beetles, aphids, and potato beetles. These pests can be controlled with row covers and applications of Rotenone or Rotenone-Pyrethrin.
HARVEST: The fruit are ready to harvest when the skin is still smooth and shiny. Over mature fruit will be soft and the seed will begin to darken. Fruit can be held 7-10 days at 45-55°F and 90-95% humidity. Usual seed life: 2 years. Approximately 25 seeds per 1/8 gram, about 200 seeds per gram; 7 grams per 1/4 ounce.

Sampler: 1/8 gram
Packet: 1 gram "