Long Purple Eggplant Seeds

This eggplant variety is an absolute beauty. Long, slender, and deep purple. It not only looks great but it tastes great too! We have no problem admitting that these are always in our garden. Perfect for eggplant Parmesan, ratatouille, or even thrown in soups!
 
Sow seed in flats indoors during early spring, or 6-8 weeks prior to planting outdoors.
 
Sow 4 seeds/in., �" deep, and maintain soil temperature at 80-90F until seedlings emerge and maintain soil temperature at 70F thereafter. Seed will not germinate in cool soil. After true leaves form, thin to 2-3" apart in flats or transplant into 2-3" pots or plug trays.
 
To harden plants, reduce water and temperature to about 60F for about a week before planting out. Transplant outdoors early spring once the weather has thoroughly settled. Eggplants are tender, and cold weather may weaken them. In the high heat summer, they will tend to drop leaves and stop producing. Ensure they have afternoon shade.
 
Space transplants 18" apart in rows 30-36" apart, or 2 rows on plastic mulch, 18-24" between plants. It is important to be mindful of over-fertility.
 
Eggplants require fertile, well-drained soil but too much nitrogen often results in large, bushy plants that produce only one small set of fruit.