Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Datasheet
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Common Name: Eggplant
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Scientific Name: Solanum melongena
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Family: Solanaceae
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Origin: Native to India and Southeast Asia
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Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–12 (grown as annual in cooler zones)
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Light Requirements: Full sun; minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily
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Water Needs: Moderate to high; consistent moisture without waterlogging; 1–1.5 inches per week
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Soil Preferences: Well-drained loamy or sandy soil with a pH of 5.5–6.8; benefits from warm soil and rich organic content
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"Ponics" Compatibility:
- Aquaponics: Very compatible
- Aeroponics: Compatible with support and temperature control
- Hydroponics: Very compatible
- Preferred Method: Dutch Bucket or DWC systems with support; thrives with warm temperatures and nutrient stability -
Growth Habit: Tender perennial grown as a warm-season annual; upright bushy habit
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Height & Spread: Height: 2–4 feet; Spread: 1.5–3 feet depending on variety
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Time from Germination to Harvest: 80–100 days from seed; 60–75 days from transplant
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Flowering Time: Begins 6–8 weeks after transplanting; lavender to violet star-shaped flowers
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Edible Parts: Fruit is edible; skin, flesh, and immature seeds are consumed
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Medicinal Uses: Contains nasunin (a potent antioxidant in the skin), helps lower cholesterol, supports brain health, and aids in blood sugar control
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Companion Plants: Beans, peppers, marigolds, spinach, and thyme; avoid fennel and potatoes
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Pest & Disease Resistance: Prone to flea beetles, spider mites, aphids, Colorado potato beetle, verticillium wilt, and blight; resistant cultivars and row covers are helpful
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Harvest Time: Harvest when skin is glossy and fruit is firm but not hard; overripe fruits become bitter and dull
- Store at 50–55°F; do not refrigerate long-term; best used fresh or preserved by roasting and freezing -
Propagation Methods: Grown from seed; start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; germinates in 7–14 days at 75–85°F
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Sustainability Features: Can be integrated into polyculture beds; dense foliage shades soil, reducing evaporation; attracts pollinators and deters weeds when mulched
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Culinary Uses: Roasted, grilled, stir-fried, baked (e.g. eggplant parmesan), used in baba ghanoush, ratatouille, curries
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Fun Fact: In Renaissance Europe, eggplants were nicknamed “mad apples” due to the belief they caused insanity
Black Beauty
Flavor Profile: Mild and creamy when cooked.
Culinary Uses: Classic for baking, frying, and eggplant parmesan.
Notes: Large, glossy purple-black fruit; heirloom introduced in the early 1900s.
Planting Tip: Requires warm soil and staking for large fruit support.
Days to Maturity: ~80 days
Rosa Bianca
Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet, and creamy texture.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for grilling and caponata.
Notes: Italian heirloom; round, lavender and white variegated fruit with minimal seeds.
Planting Tip: Needs ample spacing due to bushy growth.
Days to Maturity: ~85–90 days
Japanese Long
Flavor Profile: Tender, less bitter than large types.
Culinary Uses: Stir-frying, grilling, tempura.
Notes: Slender, dark purple fruits; very prolific and early producer.
Planting Tip: Harvest frequently to encourage continuous fruiting.
Days to Maturity: ~65–70 days
Ping Tung Long
Flavor Profile: Sweet and mild; skin is thin and edible.
Culinary Uses: Stir-fries, sautéed dishes, and curries.
Notes: Taiwanese heirloom; elongated lavender fruits up to 18″ long.
Planting Tip: Benefits from trellising or staking due to length.
Days to Maturity: ~70 days
Thai Green
Flavor Profile: Mild, nutty, and creamy.
Culinary Uses: Thai curries, sautéed dishes, grilling.
Notes: Pale green, elongated fruit; tender and productive.
Planting Tip: Provide high heat and regular feeding for best yield.
Days to Maturity: ~65–70 days
Fairy Tale
Flavor Profile: Delicate, sweet, with few seeds.
Culinary Uses: Small-fruit dishes, grilling whole, roasting.
Notes: Mini hybrid variety with purple and white stripes; ornamental and edible.
Planting Tip: Harvest early for best texture and ongoing yields.
Days to Maturity: ~55–60 days
Little Fingers
Flavor Profile: Rich and sweet; good skin texture.
Culinary Uses: Great for pickling, roasting, or grilling.
Notes: Small, thin fruits in clusters; very early and compact.
Planting Tip: Perfect for containers or small garden spaces.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days
Listada de Gandia
Flavor Profile: Sweet, mild, and low in bitterness.
Culinary Uses: Grilling, baking, and frying.
Notes: Spanish heirloom; white with violet streaks; highly ornamental.
Planting Tip: Needs consistent warmth and rich soil.
Days to Maturity: ~85 days
Eggplant Cultivar Comparison Table
| Variety | Type | Fruit Color | Fruit Size | Growth Habit | Days to Maturity | Best Use |
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| Black Beauty | Globe | Deep purple-black | 6–8″ oval | Bushy | ~80 | Classic baking, frying |
| Rosa Bianca | Globe | Lavender/white mottled | 4–6″ round | Sprawling | ~85–90 | Grilling, Mediterranean dishes |
| Japanese Long | Asian | Dark purple | 8–10″ slender | Upright, prolific | ~65–70 | Stir-fry, grilling |
| Ping Tung Long | Asian | Light purple | Up to 18″ long | Tall | ~70 | Curries, stir-fry |
| Thai Green | Asian | Pale green | 8–10″ long | Upright | ~65–70 | Curries, grilling |
| Fairy Tale | Miniature | Purple w/ white stripes | 3–5″ slender | Compact | ~55–60 | Grilled whole, roasting |
| Little Fingers | Miniature | Glossy dark purple | 3–5″ clusters | Compact | ~60 | Pickling, roasting |
| Listada de Gandia | Heirloom | White w/ purple streaks | 5–7″ oval | Bushy | ~85 | Roasting, grilling |
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