Eggplant Seeds - Black Shine - Hybrid
65 days maturity after transplanting. Solanum melongena ’Black Shine’. Black Shine Eggplant Seeds. Non-GMO, warm-season, annual, hybrid. This Japanese hybrid eggplant has long fruit with black skin and a purple calyx. The shiny fruits have tender, sweet, high-quality flesh and grow over 8 inches long, weighing over 8 oz. This extra early prolific producer is recommended for greenhouse, container, and open field growing. Black Shine is similar to the Millionaire variety, but the fruit is heavier and denser. ~ 6,250 seeds per oz.
Eggplant Seeds - Black Shine - Hybrid
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Other Common Names: Aubergine, ai qwa, badanjan, baingan, baingun, bangai, bangain, bhanta, brinjal, chan che zu, ca tim, chieh tse, Japanese round eggplant, mackhera, makhua terung, ma khuea yaao, hon pee choi, nasubi, ngai kwa, qie zi, talong, terong, terung, wam batu.
How to Grow Black Shine Eggplant
Germinate the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting them outdoors. The soil should be at or above 80°F during germination. Transplanting out too early in the spring can negatively affect plant vigor. Transfer outdoors about two weeks after the danger of frost has passed. Harden off the sprouts before transplanting to avoid shock. Work fertilizer or compost into the soil and ensure the ground temperature is at least 75°F before planting.
Stay away from fertilizers that are mostly nitrogen. If the nitrogen levels are too high, it will encourage more foliage than fruit. Stake the plants as they grow to support the developing fruit. Fertilize twice a month with a small handful of low-strength fertilizer of fully mature compost. Cover the ground with black plastic if growing in a cooler region to retain soil heat; this also prevents weeds. Water the soil regularly to keep it from drying out.
Harvesting Black Shine Eggplant
Harvest when plump, 8 inches long, and shiny. To check an eggplant for ripeness: gently depress the skin; if the flesh indents and rebounds, it is ready to be picked. If the skin has lost its shine, it may be over-mature. Cut the fruit off just above the calyx. Avoid pulling.
Culinary Tips
Use Black Shine for grilling, stuffing, baking, and pickling. Delicious when coated, baked, or fried with miso. This variety also makes excellent tempura. There is no need to peel or salt these before cooking.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“In my opinion, Black Shine is perfect for grilling. I recommend eating it with a spicy ginger sauce as well.”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Seeds Per Package
- 500 mg packet - Approximately 112 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 6,250 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 25,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 100,000 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Solanum melongena ‘Black Shine’ |
| Black Shine Eggplant Color: | Almost black fruit, dark purple calyx. |
| Black Shine Eggplant Flavor: | Mild and sweet |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 65 days |
| Days to Germination: | 7-14 Days |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 24 inches |
| Plant Height: | 24-36 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Semi-upright bush |
| Soil Preference: | Garden loam, fertile with good drainage. |
| Temperature Preference: | 75-90 ℉ |
| Light Preference: | Full sun |
Other
| Plant Width: | 24-36 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Flea beetles, spider mites, white flies, and nematodes can be troublesome in various regions. Be on the lookout for phomopsis rot and verticillium wilt in damp environments. |