Eggplant, ‘Diamond’

Amazing! Did you know that eggplants WEREN’T just flowering ornamentals here in the PNW but that they might actually produce fruit too…even outside of a greenhouse?! And not just a lonely token fruit to insult all your hard work. Lots of eggplants. Beautiful, slender, 4-8” long, buttery, and Not at all bitter eggplant. Some summers are cold. And wet. And then cold. Yet we are always still awash in these beauties. From our field, not our greenhouse. Even if you think you despise eggplant grow these and give them away to your friends and neighbors. They will be in awe of your mad skills. Seeds collected from Ukraine in 1993 by Kent Whealy, co-founder of Seed Savers Exchange. The most prolific variety we’ve grown for cool-climate production. Terrific for market.
70-80 days. AS

Packet: 25-30 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Indoors, 5-8 weeks before your last frost date.

Transplant out after danger of frost (65+ nighttime temps).

Note: Protect well from the cold!

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/4″

SPACING:

18″ spacing in rows 18-24″ apart.

EMERGENCE:

10-14 days @ soil temp 75-85F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Moderate-heavy. Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with ample phosphorous and a pH between 6.5-6.8. Don’t add too much Nitrogen as this will lead to excess foliage and less fruit.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Eggplant seeds will not germinate in cold soil.

Use a floating row cover to keep plants warmer during the day and as protection from cold nights and insects.