The Knowledge Base

The eggplant is one of the most beautiful and one of the most ornamental of the classic garden vegetables. This member of the famous Nightshade family is very sensitive to low temperatures and can be set back if planted too early in the season where springtime temperatures are erratic. The plant enjoys direct sun and a long, consistently hot growing season. Also, most varieties of eggplant grow very well on decks, patios and balconies in 12 inch or larger containers. They like to be watered, and they like a rich soil that drains well.

Eggplants look good mixed in with pepper plants and the compact bush-type cherry tomatoes. They all are good neighbors to each other with the eggplant probably being the larger of the three nightshades. We don't recommend planting directly next to larger tomato plants as they will block the sunlight from reaching the shorter, more dense eggplants.

In the old days, the majority of eggplant planted had no specific common name (besides "eggplant"), but it appears to have resembled what has come to be known as "Black Beauty." The Black Beauty and other classic eggplant types need 70 to 80 days to produce fruit. The fruit is dark, dark purple to black in color. The fruit is large, oval shaped six to eight inches in length, three to five inches in width at the base. A single fruit can often carry an entire meal.

Besides the classic and Black Beauty types, there are many different eggplant varieties, grown both for the fruit and for the size and color of their foliage. The fruit produced, even though diverse in size, shape and color, all taste just like eggplant and they all cook like eggplant. Some chefs prefer the long, green eggplant's because they are easy to peel and they roast well. The fact is, all eggplants are easy to peel and they all roast well. We suggest sampling all varities, and if you have garden space, enjoy the beauty by planting several varieties, especially if you are an eggplant fan.

• Posted by Dry Creek Garden Company

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