Eggplant Seeds - Long Purple

Name: Eggplant Seeds - Long Purple
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: EG12
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Productive Italian heirloom eggplant with slender, deep-purple fruits and mild, rich flavor for stir-fries and grilling.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: EG12

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Discover the charm of the Long Purple Eggplant, a classic heirloom variety celebrated for its slender, elongated fruit. Reaching a mature length of 8 to 10 inches, these glossy, deep purple eggplants are a visual and culinary delight. With a growth habit that reaches 24 to 30 inches in height, this variety thrives in warm, sunny conditions, making it a staple for gardens with ample sunlight.

Typically maturing in 75 to 85 days, Long Purple Eggplants offer a productive yield, providing a bountiful harvest throughout the growing season. The fruit's tender skin and mild, sweet flavor make it a versatile addition to an array of dishes. From grilling and roasting to classic Mediterranean recipes, its culinary applications are as diverse as they are delicious.

Ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners, Long Purple Eggplant seeds promise a rewarding growing experience. Whether you're cultivating in traditional garden beds or large containers, this variety adapts well, offering ease of care and abundant rewards. Embrace the opportunity to grow these elegant eggplants and elevate your homegrown cuisine.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

100

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Solanum melongena

Maturity

70-79 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Containers, Community garden, Hydroponic

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Long Purple' (Solanum melongena)Insects & MitesFlea Beetles (small holes in leaves, reduced growth)Controls: Use floating row covers early in the season to protect young plants. Apply diatomaceous earth around the base of plants. Introduce beneficial nematodes to the soil to target larvae. Rotate crops to prevent overwintering.Spider Mites (yellow stippling, webbing on leaves)Controls: Increase humidity around plants by misting. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days. Encourage predatory mites by planting companion plants like dill and coriander. Regularly hose down plants to dislodge mites.DiseasesVerticillium Wilt (wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth)Controls: Practice crop rotation and avoid planting in areas previously used for tomatoes, potatoes, or peppers. Use resistant varieties and solarize soil to reduce pathogen load. Remove and destroy infected plants promptly.Phytophthora Blight (water-soaked lesions, fruit rot)Controls: Ensure proper drainage and avoid overhead watering. Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventative measure. Space plants adequately to improve air circulation. Remove and dispose of infected plant debris.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBlossom End Rot (dark, sunken spots on fruit)Controls: Maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid drought stress. Test soil and amend with calcium if deficient. Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.Sunscald (white, papery patches on fruit)Controls: Provide partial shade during peak sunlight hours using shade cloth. Ensure adequate foliage cover by maintaining plant health. Avoid excessive pruning that exposes fruit to direct sunlight.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for signs of flea beetles and spider mites.- Implement crop rotation and soil solarization to manage soil-borne diseases.- Maintain consistent watering practices to prevent blossom end rot.- Use shade cloth to protect fruit from sunscald.- Encourage beneficial insects by planting companion plants.- Remove and destroy infected plant material promptly.

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The Long Purple Eggplant, a cherished variety of Solanum melongena, emerges from the fertile soils and sun-drenched landscapes of the Mediterranean region, particularly Italy and Greece. The name itself evokes the elegance and grace of its elongated, deep purple fruits, which dangle like pendants from the plant's verdant branches. In Italian, melanzana translates to \"mad apple,\" a nod to the fruit's once-misunderstood nature, while the English term \"eggplant\" refers to the white, egg-shaped varieties that were first introduced to Europe.For centuries, the Long Purple Eggplant has been a staple in Mediterranean kitchens, celebrated not only for its tender flesh and rich flavor but also for its versatility and nutritional benefits. Cooks across the region have long incorporated it into classic dishes like ratatouille, moussaka, and caponata, where its ability to absorb flavors and oils enhances the complexity of each recipe. Beyond its culinary uses, the eggplant has held a place in traditional medicine, with ancient practitioners using it to treat ailments ranging from inflammation to digestive issues.Though it thrived quietly in Mediterranean gardens for generations, the Long Purple Eggplant gained wider prominence during the Age of Exploration, when traders and explorers carried its seeds to distant lands. Its unique appearance and culinary potential captured the imaginations of gardeners and chefs alike, leading to its cultivation in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. As its popularity spread, so did its reputation as a symbol of prosperity and abundance, often featured in art and literature as a representation of fertility and the harvest.Botanically, the Long Purple Eggplant is a member of the Solanaceae family, sharing lineage with tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Its history is intertwined with that of its relatives, yet it stands apart due to its distinctive growth habit and fruiting characteristics. The plant's broad leaves and sturdy stems support the development of its signature elongated fruits, which can reach up to ten inches in length and are prized for their glossy, dark skin and creamy interior.Today, the Long Purple Eggplant remains a beloved cultivar, celebrated both for its historical significance and its continued culinary appeal. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Mediterranean agriculture, a living link between past and present that continues to inspire chefs and gardeners around the world. To cultivate the Long Purple Eggplant is to partake in a rich tradition of taste and cultivation, honoring the generations of farmers who first recognized its potential and the modern enthusiasts who carry its story forward.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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