Variety field guide
What to expect from Black Beauty Eggplant Seeds
Black Beauty Eggplant seeds grow into bush plants about 31–36 in, bearing black About 4–6 in rounded fruit.
Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record
Black Beauty Eggplant seeds grow into bush plants about 31–36 in, bearing black About 4–6 in rounded fruit. Use the harvest for warm-season kitchen gardens, supported plants, fresh harvest, and preserving. ‘Black Beauty’ bears glossy, deep purple fruits with tender, creamy-white flesh and rich, classic flavor. Black Beauty Eggplant Seeds produce classic heirloom eggplant with glossy deep-purple fruits and rich, full flavor ideal for grilling and roasting.
About Black Beauty
Black Beauty is an annual eggplant with black color, 31–36 in mature height or spread, and a bush habit. Harvest form or size: About 4–6 in rounded fruit. Botanically it is Solanum melongena L. Maturity or first bloom: 70-79 Days; germination: 7-14 Days at 75–90 °F. Best for warm-season kitchen gardens, supported plants, fresh harvest, and preserving. ‘Black Beauty’ bears glossy, deep purple fruits with tender, creamy-white flesh and rich, classic flavor.
History and provenance
Black Beauty circulates as a named eggplant within the cultivated history of Solanum melongena L. Seed sold as Black Beauty is identified by its black color, growth form, harvest use, and the documented harvest traits. A complete breeder record, introduction year, family story, or uninterrupted custody chain has not been located for this seed lot. The cultivar identity is tied to observable crop traits that can be checked in a grow-out, not to an unsupported origin story. The fruits hold well on the plant and develop that signature luster when fully ripe. Introduced by Burpee in 1902, ‘Black Beauty’ quickly became the American standard for eggplant quality - dependable, flavorful, and elegantly simple. Eggplant Seeds - Black Beauty Eggplant belongs to a diverse cultivated plant lineage shaped by regional gardeners, farmers, and seedkeepers over time. Its continued presence in gardens reflects selection for usefulness, beauty, resilience, flavor, or cultural value.
Growing facts
| Scientific name | Solanum melongena L. |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Annual |
| Maturity / first bloom | 70-79 Days |
| Germination | 7-14 Days at 75–90 °F |
| Seed depth | 1/4 in |
| Plant height / spread | 31–36 in |
| Growth habit | Bush |
| Spacing | 18 in between plants; 36 in between rows |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Loamy; pH 5.5–6.0 |
| Water | Moderate |
| Support | Stake |
Starting Black Beauty from seed
How to grow Black Beauty Eggplant
Botanical identity: Solanum melongena L. Life cycle: Annual.
Sow 1/4 in and use a seed-zone temperature near 75–90 °F. Expected emergence: 7-14 Days. Start indoors in clean warm mix, maintain even moisture, and provide strong light immediately after emergence
Plant during Spring. Space plants 18 in apart with 36 in between rows or planting bands.
Provide Full sun, moderate water, and loamy near pH 5.5–6.0. Support: Stake.
Garden performance and care
Start Black Beauty early enough for its season, transplant after cold stress has passed, and harvest on schedule. Support requirement: Stake; remove damaged fruit promptly and keep foliage dry when disease pressure is high. Expected emergence is 7-14 Days; the listed maturity or bloom timing is 70-79 Days.
Harvest, bloom, and uses
Black Beauty is best for warm-season kitchen gardens, supported plants, fresh harvest, and preserving. Harvest form or size: About 4–6 in rounded fruit. Color at the principal harvest or mature stage: Black. ‘Black Beauty’ bears glossy, deep purple fruits with tender, creamy-white flesh and rich, classic flavor.
Saving seed
Seed saving for Black Beauty Select several healthy, true-to-type plants so the saved lot represents the variety rather than one unusually early or large individual. Eggplant is largely self-pollinating but insects can move pollen between varieties. Isolate or bag blossoms when varietal purity matters. Leave marked fruit on healthy plants well beyond eating stage until the skin changes to a dull mature color and seed is hard. Chop or crush the overripe fruit in water, separate heavy seed from pulp and light seed, rinse, and dry thoroughly. Use gloves if skin is sensitive, and record plant selection, isolation, fruit maturity, cleaning, and test date.
Common problems
Watch Black Beauty for flea beetles, Colorado potato beetles, aphids, spider mites, bacterial or fungal leaf spots, blossom drop, sunscald, and fruit dulling. Use crop rotation, clean transplants, mulch, steady irrigation, and support. Harvest while the skin is glossy rather than allowing fruit to become seedy and dull.
Frequently asked questions
When is Black Beauty ready?
70-79 Days from transplanting under warm conditions
How long does germination take?
Expect 7-14 Days near 75–90 °F; actual emergence changes with moisture, seed condition, and soil temperature.
How large does it grow?
About 31–36 in with a bush habit. Support: Stake.
Can it grow in a container?
Suitable for a large container with full sun, dependable drainage, steady water, and room for the mature canopy.
How is it used?
Primary uses: warm-season kitchen gardens, supported plants, fresh harvest, and preserving. ‘Black Beauty’ bears glossy, deep purple fruits with tender, creamy-white flesh and rich, classic flavor.
Can I save seed?
Yes where the crop biology allows, but keep compatible varieties isolated, use several healthy plants, wait for full seed maturity, dry thoroughly, and label the lot.
Minimum Seed Count:100 seeds
