Eggplant Seeds - Round Purple - Heriloom

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How to Grow Round Purple Eggplant

Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date (or 8 weeks before the expected date of transplant). Keep the soil warm until emergence (80-90°F minimum). Seeds will not germinate in cool soil; planting out too early may affect plant vitality. Harden off plants carefully before transplanting. Prep the bed before planting the seedlings; transplant them when the soil temperatures are at least above 75°F in a very warm and sunny location.

Eggplants are heavy feeders, so use a balanced fertilizer. Too much nitrogen will produce lush foliage and a lower yield. Stake the plants to avoid them falling over when the fruit matures. Fertilize twice during the growing season. If you are growing these in a cooler climate, cover the soil with dark plastic to help retain heat. Never allow the plants to dry out.

Harvesting Round Purple Eggplant

Harvest when purple, about 2 inches in diameter, and shiny. If the flesh indents with light pressure and bounces back, it is ripe. Clip the fruit off with 2-3 inches of stem connected. If the skin has lost its luster, it may be overripe.

Culinary Tips

Round Purple is delicious in curries and stews and is featured in dishes throughout Asia. Pickle or cook small eggplants. Asian eggplants are not as bitter or tough as most American eggplants; they do not need to be pretreated for bitterness. Thai eggplants are full of potassium, antioxidants, manganese, and fiber.

Tips From Our Gardeners

“I learned that in Shantung, China, Asian eggplants are sliced, cooked, and then served cold with a sesame-based sauce. If you think you don’t like eggplant, maybe you just haven’t had the right variety or recipe!”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Seeds Per Package

• 500 mg packet - Approximately 180 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 160,000 Seeds