Eggplant Seeds - Talong Purple No.1 - Heirloom

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Other Common Names: Ngai gwa, aubergine, guinea squash, brinjal, beringela, nasubi, or makhua terung.

How to Grow Talong Purple No.1 Eggplant

Germinate seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date or 8 weeks before the expected date of transplant. Keep the soil warmed until emergence (about 80-90°F minimum). A seedling heat mat can be valuable. Seeds will not sprout in cool or cold soil; planting outside too early can impact plant vitality. Harden plants off before transplanting. Prep the bed before planting with an organic fertilizer; transplant them when the soil temperatures are at or above 75°F. They should be in a warm and sunny location.

Eggplants require plenty of nutrients, so use a balanced fertilizer. Too much nitrogen will produce more foliage when the fruit is wanted. Stake the plants to stop them from falling over as the fruit develops. Fertilize twice during the summer. If you are growing these in a cooler climate, cover the soil with dark (black or red) plastic to help retain heat. Never allow the soil to totally dry out.

Harvesting Talong Purple No.1 Eggplant

Harvest when purple, 6-8 inches long, and shiny. If the flesh indents with light pressure and then rebounds, it’s ripe. Clip the fruit off with some of the stem attached. If the skin is not shiny, it may be past its prime.

Culinary Tips

Talong Purple No.1 is excellent for slicing, baking, grilling, roasting, and frying. Use for making Tortang Talong. Asian eggplants are less bitter and tough than most American eggplants; they aren’t typically pretreated for bitterness.

Tips From Our Gardeners

“My sister, Jessica, is a fantastic chef. She loves to craft her own Asian-inspired dishes; her favorite way to prepare eggplant is fried and added to a Thai curry. It is so tasty!”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Seeds Per Package

• 500 mg packet - Approximately 1,000 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 6,250 Seeds