Eggplant Seeds - E-Star - Hybrid
70-80 days maturity after transplanting. Solanum melongena ’E-Star’. E-Star Eggplant Seeds. Non-GMO, warm-season, annual, hybrid. E-Star is a Japanese round-shaped eggplant with glossy, deep purple-black color with purple calyx. Fruit are 3-4" in diameter and weigh about 350-400 grams. The flesh is white and firm yet creamy when cooked. This is a medium early maturing variety. E-Star is suitable for open fields and home growing. The plant is semi-upright, grows well in hot climates, and is a beneficial companion plant for other vegetables. Approximately 5,875 seeds per oz.
Eggplant Seeds - E-Star - 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 E-Star Eggplant
Germinate seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the transplant time. Keep the soil temperature at or above 80°F until the sprouts emerge. Seeds will not germinate in cold soil; transplanting out too early in the spring can negatively impact plant vigor. Transfer outdoors about two weeks after the last frost date. Harden off the plants before transplanting to avoid shock. Work fertilizer or compost into the soil before planting the starts; transplant them when the soil is at least 75°F.
Stay away from fertilizers with high nitrogen levels, which encourage more foliage than fruit. Stake the plants to support the developing stem and fruit. Fertilize twice a month with a small handful of low-strength fertilizer of fully mature compost. If growing in a cooler region, cover the soil with black or dark red plastic to retain soil heat. Do not allow the earth to completely dry.
Harvesting E-Star Eggplant
Harvest when 3-4 inches in diameter, plump, and shiny. Gently depress the skin; if the flesh indents and rebounds, it is ready to be picked. If the skin no longer appears glossy, it is overripe.
Culinary Tips
Excellent for tempura, baking, stir-frying, and grilling. E-Star eggplants are spongy when raw and firm yet creamy when cooked. Asian eggplants taste better than American eggplants and do not require pretreatment for bitterness.
Tips From Our Gardeners
“I’ve learned that eggplants and Chinese cabbages grow very well together when interplanted. The shade from the eggplant leaves creates the perfect cabbage environment!”
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Seeds Per Package
- 500 mg packet - Approximately 105 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 5,800 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 23,200 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 92,800 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Solanum melongena ‘E-Star’ |
| E-Star Eggplant Color: | Black fruit with dark purple calyx and green foliage. |
| E-Star Eggplant Flavor: | Mild and lightly bitter |
Growing Info
| Days to Maturity: | 70-80 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: | Fertile and sandy garden loam. |
| Temperature Preference: | 75-90 ℉ |
| Light Preference: | Full sun |
Other
| Plant Width: | 24-36 inches |
| Pests and Disease: | Flea beetles, nematodes, spider mites, and white flies can be problematic in some areas. Be wary of phomopsis rot and verticillium wilt in humid environments. |