Cool Eggplant Varieties You’ll Want in Your Crop Mix
From traditional dark-purple eggplant varieties to more novel shapes and colors, these selections are worth a closer look.
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Aretussa RZ (Rijk Zwaan, Gowan Seed)
Suitable for heated and unheated structures, as well as open-field production. Well-branched, sturdy plants. Spineless calyx. Long oval, 3 by 7 inches. Matures in 70 days.
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E-Tender (Johnny's Selected Seed)
A unique item for specialty markets, 'E-Tender' is a Japanese mizu nasu, or water eggplant. Unique among eggplants, mizu nasu are typically eaten raw. 'E-Tender' has thin, bitter-free skin and texture similar to a fresh apple, but softer. The flavor is mildly fruity and sweet. Try adding slices of 'E-Tender' to fresh salads, or wrap cut pieces in prosciutto for a tasty appetizer. Water eggplants are also commonly pickled and can be cooked like a typical eggplant if raw is not your thing. Matures in 65 days.
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Fairy Tale (PanAmerican Seeds)
Early-maturing, highly productive eggplant that produces clusters of attractive white fruit with violet/purple stripes. The elongated teardrop-shaped fruit are sweet and non-bitter, with a tender skin and few seeds. Fruit can be harvested when very small or left on the plant until fully mature. Plant habit is petite — between 18 to 24 in. (46 to 61 cm) — and is perfect for growing in containers or small-space locations with or without support. All-America Selections National Winner.
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Gaudi (Pure Line Seeds, Rupp Seeds, Stokes Seeds)
‘Gaudi’ has long, oval-shaped fruit with a bright-green calyx. Usually the calyx is spineless, but under certain conditions, a few small spines can develop. The fruit is firm and is grown on a medium-tall, upright strong growing bush. Available organic and untreated. Matures in 80 days from seed; 60 days from transplant.
OsborneSeed.com; RuppSeeds.com; StokeSeeds.com
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Ghost Story (SEEDWAY)
This new white eggplant is a real game-changer. Smooth, firm, and heavy. It has a refined small cap that is usually spineless. Flesh is dense, bright white, and slow to develop seeds. Excellent early and continuous yields. 63 days to maturity.
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Little Prince (SEEDWAY)
It’s hard not to use the word “cute” with 'Little Prince.' The sturdy plant loads up with small oval/egg shaped fruit, usually in clusters of two or three. It is one of many Indian eggplant types and can also work for Middle Eastern and Bosnian markets looking for small fruited eggplant to stuff and/or pickle. Matures in 63 days.
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Nadia (Vilmorin, Rupp Seeds)
An attractive purple black hybrid from Vilmorin. Fruit are 9" long by 4½" around. Colors early, sets under cool conditions with a durable plant for frequent pickings. Matures in 70 days.
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Sabelle RZ (Rijk Zwaan, Gowan Seed)
Traditional Sicilian type, which is very attractive due to the color contrast between fruit skin and calyx. Flavorful and excellent texture for all gourmet preparations. Round, 1 pound. 65 days to maturity.
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Thanos (Pure Line Seeds, Inc., Johnny's Selected Seeds)
Type: Hybrid Eggplant
‘Thanos’ is a spineless, classic-shape hybrid. It has an extra-dark color compared to similar varieties, giving it a competitive edge. Ideal for open field cultivation, very high yields, and superior-quality fruit. It’s a strong plant, suited for the Southeastern growing regions. Matures in 66 days.
View all
Aretussa RZ (Rijk Zwaan, Gowan Seed)
E-Tender (Johnny's Selected Seed)
Fairy Tale (PanAmerican Seeds)
Gaudi (Pure Line Seeds, Rupp Seeds, Stokes Seeds)
Ghost Story (SEEDWAY)
Little Prince (SEEDWAY)
Nadia (Vilmorin, Rupp Seeds)
Sabelle RZ (Rijk Zwaan, Gowan Seed)
Thanos (Pure Line Seeds, Inc., Johnny's Selected Seeds)
Disease Abbreviation Key
PSB Phomopsis stem blight, caused by fungus Phomopsis vexans
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Carol Miller is Editor of American Vegetable Grower. See all author stories here.