Black Beauty Eggplant (Heirloom 83 Days)

The Black Beauty Eggplant is a 1902 Heirloom. Broad, attractive fruits on sturdy, tall plants. Flavor & quality are just as good as hybrids, if not better, but definitely later. 

30 seeds

PLANTING

Solanum melongena

Germination: 5-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 75-90ºF. Cooler soil temperatures increase germination time.

Seed Sowing Depth: ¼” deep

Starting Indoors:  8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow in flats/cells/pots. Provide 75-90ºF soil temperatures. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer (diluted to ¼ of suggested measurement). Transplant seedlings 18-24” apart after the last frost.

How much does a packet plant: 25-30 foot single row  

Harvest: When fruit is shiny and smooth, before losing its luster. Use a sharp instrument to cut the eggplants from the plant. Pick the first fruits when they reach usable size, this helps accelerate the growth of the other eggplants on the plant. 

Tips: The Black Beauty eggplant should be planted in fertile soil, and amended with compost if needed. It helps to use row cover early in the season, giving the plants extra warmth, especially in the north. Side dress when flowers begin to form.