Rosa Bianica Eggplant Seeds
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
- REVIEWS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Though gardeners with long growing seasons will be able to direct sow their eggplant seed when the soil reaches 70 degrees F, starting the seed indoors is best in most areas. About 8-10 weeks before the last expected spring frost, plant the seeds in pots 1/4" deep. Keep them in a sunny window or under a grow light, maintaining a temperature of around 80 degrees. Germination of eggplant can be spotty, and may take several weeks. Keep the seedlings moist and provide organic matter for the best development. Gradually expose them to the elements by leaving the pots outdoors during the day. When the average air and soil temperature reach 70 degrees, or about 3 weeks after the last frost, plant the seedlings in well drained soil in full sun; for fullest growth, allow each plant 2-3' in all directions. Eggplant also grows very well in container gardens; most northern gardeners depend on this method in order to succeed in growing this heat loving plant.
Growing: Eggplant thrives in the full heat of summer; row covers, black plastic, or other methods to conserve heat may be necessary in some climates. If temperatures threaten to fall below 55 degrees F, cover the plants. As soon as the seedlings become established, mulch them to conserve moisture and control weeds. Keep the soil evenly moist, and apply fertilizer or organic matter once monthly.
Harvesting: When the skin of an eggplant begins to take on a high gloss, it is nearly ripe. To test for ripeness, press gently on the skin; if the flesh remains indented, it is ready to be harvested. Eggplant reach their best eating quality at about 1/2 their mature size, since oversized eggplant can turn tough and bitter. For freshest taste, use immediately. If necessary, eggplant can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the seeds inside begin to turn brown, this indicates that it is overripe. Keep in mind that some parts of the leaves and flowers are poisonous if ingested.
Seed Saving: Because eggplant pollinates itself without the help of insects, cross pollination is not likely; however, separate different varieties by about 40' to guarantee genetic purity. When the fruit is fully ripe, it will drop off the plant; at this stage it will be dull and brownish with slightly puckered flesh. Cure for two weeks. Several methods for separating the seeds from the flesh are effective. Some seed savers grate the bottom portion of the eggplant, which contains the seeds - since the seeds have a protective coating and are very slippery, they will not be damaged. Place the grated mixture in a bowl with water and work it with your fingers; the good seed will sink to the bottom. Another method is to cut the eggplant into 1/2" squares, put them in a blender, and pulse for a few seconds; next, proceed with washing the seeds. Remove the seeds at the bottom of the container of water to a flat surface, and allow them to dry; store in a cool, dry location for up to five years.
FAST FACTS
Latin Name: Solanum melongena
Type: Open Pollinated, Warm Season
USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Seeds per Ounce: 6,000
Planting Method: From Transplant
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 30 Inches
Color: Pink
Great seeds
I've been ordering from Everwilde for over 10 years. The germination rates are always excellent and the shipping is lightening fast!
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Though gardeners with long growing seasons will be able to direct sow their eggplant seed when the soil reaches 70 degrees F, starting the seed indoors is best in most areas. About 8-10 weeks before the last expected spring frost, plant the seeds in pots 1/4" deep. Keep them in a sunny window or under a grow light, maintaining a temperature of around 80 degrees. Germination of eggplant can be spotty, and may take several weeks. Keep the seedlings moist and provide organic matter for the best development. Gradually expose them to the elements by leaving the pots outdoors during the day. When the average air and soil temperature reach 70 degrees, or about 3 weeks after the last frost, plant the seedlings in well drained soil in full sun; for fullest growth, allow each plant 2-3' in all directions. Eggplant also grows very well in container gardens; most northern gardeners depend on this method in order to succeed in growing this heat loving plant.
Growing: Eggplant thrives in the full heat of summer; row covers, black plastic, or other methods to conserve heat may be necessary in some climates. If temperatures threaten to fall below 55 degrees F, cover the plants. As soon as the seedlings become established, mulch them to conserve moisture and control weeds. Keep the soil evenly moist, and apply fertilizer or organic matter once monthly.
Harvesting: When the skin of an eggplant begins to take on a high gloss, it is nearly ripe. To test for ripeness, press gently on the skin; if the flesh remains indented, it is ready to be harvested. Eggplant reach their best eating quality at about 1/2 their mature size, since oversized eggplant can turn tough and bitter. For freshest taste, use immediately. If necessary, eggplant can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the seeds inside begin to turn brown, this indicates that it is overripe. Keep in mind that some parts of the leaves and flowers are poisonous if ingested.
Seed Saving: Because eggplant pollinates itself without the help of insects, cross pollination is not likely; however, separate different varieties by about 40' to guarantee genetic purity. When the fruit is fully ripe, it will drop off the plant; at this stage it will be dull and brownish with slightly puckered flesh. Cure for two weeks. Several methods for separating the seeds from the flesh are effective. Some seed savers grate the bottom portion of the eggplant, which contains the seeds - since the seeds have a protective coating and are very slippery, they will not be damaged. Place the grated mixture in a bowl with water and work it with your fingers; the good seed will sink to the bottom. Another method is to cut the eggplant into 1/2" squares, put them in a blender, and pulse for a few seconds; next, proceed with washing the seeds. Remove the seeds at the bottom of the container of water to a flat surface, and allow them to dry; store in a cool, dry location for up to five years.
FAST FACTS
Latin Name: Solanum melongena
Type: Open Pollinated, Warm Season
USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Seeds per Ounce: 6,000
Planting Method: From Transplant
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 30 Inches
Color: Pink
Reviews
Review
Great seeds
I've been ordering from Everwilde for over 10 years. The germination rates are always excellent and the shipping is lightening fast!