Eggplant Seeds - Choryoku - 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 Choryoku Eggplant

Germinate the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting them outdoors. Keep the soil should be at or above 80°F during germination. Seeds will fail to sprout in cool soil; 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 before planting; transplant when the soil is at least 75°F.

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. Fertilize twice a month with a small handful of low-strength fertilizer of fully mature compost. Cover the soil with black or dark-colored plastic if growing in a cooler region to retain soil heat. Water regularly enough to keep the soil from drying out.

Harvesting Choryoku Eggplant

Harvest when plump, up to 1 ft long, and shiny. To test an eggplant for ripeness: gently depress the skin; if the flesh indents and rebounds, it is ready to be picked. If the skin loses its shine, it is overripe.

Culinary Tips

Use Choryokus for tempura, stir-fry, baking, grilling, and pickling. The inner flesh of this variety is creamy white and has few seeds.

Tips From Our Gardeners

“In Japanese culture, if you dream of eggplant in the first few days of the year, it means good luck. There is a proverb that says, “The happiest omen for a New Year is first Mount Fuji, then the falcon, and lastly eggplant.” Will you dream of eggplants in your garden this year?”

- 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