3 Review(s)

Fruits grow to 1 inch by 3 inches long Fruits have two-toned green to two-toned orange This variety of eggplant is actually a different species than the common eggplant but closely resembles the fruit. It has a strong flavor that is not bitter but results in a fruit that is best used for decoration. Sun and Soil Growing eggplant requires lots of sun, at least six hours per day, but more when possible. Pick a growing spot that has loamy garden soil that drains well. Eggplant doesn't grow well in heavy clay soil or soggy areas. Whenever possible, grow eggplant in a raised bed filled with high quality garden soil or topsoil. The raised beds get warmer faster in the spring, giving eggplants the heat they need to produce a full crop by the end of the summer. Garden Spacing If you have room, space eggplant 30 to 36 inches apart in rows 30 to 36 inches apart. If spacing is tight, you can grow the plants 18 to 24 inches apart. In small gardens where you're growing just a few plants, staggering plants rather than creating formal rows works well. Regular Watering Eggplant needs between 1 and 2 inches of water per week -- from rain, manual watering or both -- to grow well and produce a tender crop. The 1 to 2 inches of water will wet the soil 5 to 6 inches deep. Water slowly once a week so the water seeps deep into the soil rather than watering lightly more frequently. If you're growing eggplant during the winter as a perennial, set a rain gauge in the garden and add supplemental water if it registers less than 1 to 2 inches per week. Fertilize at Fruit Set Once you see the first mini eggplants starting to develop, it's time for a fertilizer boost. Use a general-purpose fertilizer like a 5-10-5 or a 10-6-4 formula. Sprinkle 1 level tablespoon onto the soil around the base of each plant. Follow up with a thorough soaking with about 1 inch of water. Avoid over watering by combining one weekly watering with the fertilizer application.