Eggplant · Thai Purple Ball

Solanaceae · Solanum melongena

This variety was first cultivated in Thailand, Vietnam.

Cost per seed: $0.03

Characteristics

Heirloom variety
Frost tender Perennial

Popular heirloom variety well known in Thailand and Vietnam. Dark purple glossy round fruit to 5cm in diameter. Prolific cropping variety. Heat tolerant. Commonly used in stews and curries.

Height: 50 cm

The basics

Position: Full sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained

Position

Sowing Seeds

Sow in Spring, After frost
Technique: Direct, Raise seedlings

Depth: 5 mm Width: 60 cm Rows: 80 cm

Germination

7 to 14 days at 24 to 32°C
Maturity 90 to 110 days

Care

Plants may need staking. Picking regularly encourages more fruit. Can be grown as a perennial in warm climates.

Common Problems: Aphids, Fruit not setting, Possums, Birds, Powdery mildew

Harvest

Fruit is ready to harvest when the skin is glossy and the fruit is large enough to eat. Harvest fruit when tender and young as older fruit can become unpalatable. Harvest fruit by cutting it from the vine or bush, leaving a small amount of stem attached.

Storage:

For short term storage, harvested fruit can be kept in the fridge. For long term storage, fruit can be frozen, canned or pickled.

Journal

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