Long Purple Eggplant
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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 and oils and are excellent stuffed, grilled, roasted, and as a meat substitute in vegetarian or vegan dishes. Also a great source of dietary fiber, iron, potassium, and protein. Grows well in container gardens and pots.
Also Known As: Italian Eggplant, Aubergine, Brinjal Eggplants, Melongene, Guinea Squash, Baingan
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| Plant Name: |
Eggplant, Long Purple |
| Latin Name: |
Solanum melongena |
| Days to Germinate: | 7-14 |
| Days to Harvest: | 75 |
| Germination Rate: | 85% |
| Test Date: | 1/24 |
| Growth Habit: | Bush |
| USDA Zones: | 5-12 |
| Lifespan: | Annual |
| Brand: | TomorrowSeeds |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| GMO: | No |
| Pollination: |
Heirloom, Open-Pollinated |
| Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: | No |
| Seeds Packed For**: | 2025 |
*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and 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 and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.
Planting Instructions:
Soil Preparation:
Remove large weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Spade the soil 6-10 inches deep and turn each shovel of soil over completely to till soil. Eggplant prefers well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soils with a pH between 5.5 and 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 and may take up to 14 days if germinated at 65 degrees F. Eggplant is a tropical plant so it is sensitive to cold and should not be planted outside until after all risk of frost has passed and 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 and 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, and sandy soils will increase the need for water.
Weeding: Keep squash plants as weed-free as possible. When plowing or hoeing do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder rooters which may slow the plant's growth.
Fertilizing: Eggplant benefits from a consistent supply of nutrients. You may optionally scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 1,000 square feet of garden area. Apply half the fertilizer before planting and the other half after the first fruits appear. Work into the soil and leave the surface smooth.
After transplanting the eggplant, you may pour 1/4 cup of starter solution around each plant. Make the starter solution by dissolving 2 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer in 1 gallon of water. Do not let fertilizer touch the plants. Water the plants after fertilizing.
Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Bt neem oil can be used to control the cutworm, Sevin® and Thiodan® can control for the eggplant flea beetle. Neem oil, Dacsure, and Disureig-sure can control for serpentine leafminers. Insecticidal soaps, neem oil, and spinosad controls for spider mites. Before using a pesticide, read the label and always follow cautions, warnings and directions.
Diseases: Eggplant can get diseases at various stages, including seed rot, damping off, anthacnose, late blight, alternaria leaf spot, and verticillium wilt. Diseases may manifest if 3 conditions take hold: presence of a disease pathogen, a susceptible host, and a favorable environment. Diseases are preventable by rotating crops, proper irrigation, plant spacing, and good sanitation (such as disposing diseased plants). Check the plants daily and if spots or mold appear, treat the plant with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. Please always follow label directions.
Harvesting:
Eggplant can be harvested when they are one-third to full size. Harvest before skin dulls and seeds become hard. If you lightly press the side of the fruit with your thumbnail and the indentation stays, then the fruit is ripe and ready to be picked. Cut the fruit off the plant rather than breaking off the fruit. Beware of the spines on the fruit stem and handle eggplants gently as they may bruise. Harvested eggplants can be stores at 45-50 degrees F with 90 percent humidity for a week.
Nutrition Facts:
|
|
| Calories 20 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0.1 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat 0 g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g | |
| Monounsaturated fat 0 g | |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2 mg | 0% |
| Potassium 188 mg | 5% |
| Total Carbohydrate 4.8 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber 2.5 g | 10% |
| Sugar 2.9 g | |
| Protein 0.8 g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 0% | Vitamin C | 3% |
| Calcium | 0% | Iron | 1% |
| Vitamin D | 0% | Vitamin B-6 | 5% |
| Cobalamin | 0% | Magnesium | 2% |
|
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. |
