Purple Shine Chinese Eggplant

Purple Shine F1 Chinese Eggplant is a hybrid variety of long purple eggplant that has a glossy vibrant purple sheen, thinner skin, and fewer seeds compared to other varieties, making it ideal for stir-fry cooking. It is widely popular in Szechuan cuisine as its mild flavor pairs well with strong flavors and spices. With its mild, sweet flavor and creamy texture, it is a delicious addition to a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to grills. Purple Shine is an easy-to-grow variety that is thrives in warm environments and is high-yielding, offering excellent productivity throughout the growing season. Chinese Eggplant also makes an excellent supplement to vegetarian and vegan diets. It boasts a variety of health benefits, including high amounts of dietary fiber, potassium, and B vitamins.

Also Known As: Aubergine, Brinjal, Melanzana, Melongene, Guinea Squash, Chinese Eggplant, Japanese Eggplant, Long Purple Eggplant, Asian Eggplant, Chinese Long Eggplant, Purple Chinese Aubergine.

Plant Name:	Eggplant, Purple Shine F1
Latin Name:	Solanum melongena, Solanum ovigerum, Solanum trongum
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	78
Plant Height:	18 - 24 Inches
Spread:	18 - 24 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	5-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Hybrid
GMO:	No
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:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 3 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Eggplant grows best in warm weather.

Starting Indoors: For an earlier eggplant harvest, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 70F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when the soil temperature is above 65F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

If needed, support with stakes or cages if heavy eggplants weigh plants down as they establish. Directly Sowing: If directly sowing eggplants outdoors, plant in late spring when the soil warms to at least 65F. Fall planting is not typically recommended but is possible in climates with mild winters, with consistent 70-80F conditions, or if growing indoors >70F and using supplemental grow lights.

If needed, support with stakes or cages if heavy eggplants weigh plants down as they establish. To plant, make holes 1/2 inch deep and 2 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	2 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	3-4 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once to twice a week. If there is no rainfall, water 3-4 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 2-3 weeks after germination, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Optionally, continue fertilizing every 1-2 weeks as plants grow. Water 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. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Harvest eggplants when they are glossy, firm, and have reached their mature size, typically 60-80 days after transplanting. Gently press the skin-if it springs back, it’s ripe; if the indentation stays, it’s overripe. Use sharp pruning shears or a knife to cut the fruit, leaving about 1 inch of the stem attached, and avoid pulling to prevent damaging the plant.