Bundle of Chinese String Eggplant with blooms on a white background.
Eggplant Seeds, Chinese String
Eggplant Seeds, Chinese String
Xu Chen with Chinese String Eggplant
Bundle of Chinese String Eggplant with blooms on a white background.
Eggplant Seeds, Chinese String
Eggplant Seeds, Chinese String
Xu Chen with Chinese String Eggplant

Eggplant Seeds,
Chinese String

4.738 ReviewsSKU: #EG106Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Solanum melongena). Our favorite eggplant is so slender and long that the Chinese named it after a piece of string! It's the most tender and delicious variety we've grown. Sweet enough to enjoy raw in salads, this East China gem boasts buttery, tender flesh and high yields of 10- to 15-inch fruit with lavender-violet skin and white interior. Perfect for sautéing, grilling, or Chinese dishes. With a rich history in China, this eggplant is a result of centuries of cultivation. We grow it almost year-round in our greenhouses and outdoors in warmer months, and it matures quickly. Try cooking the young fruit whole like green beans—only better!

Growing Tips: The Chinese String eggplant is a highly productive heirloom variety, ideal for warm climates and sunny conditions. This plant thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Consistent watering and fertilizing are essential for optimal growth. Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Solanum melongena
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
10–15
Days to Maturity
75
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
18 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Chinese String eggplant should be planted after the last frost has passed and when the soil has warmed to at least 65 F. For the best results, start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your area’s last frost date. If you are not sure how to find your local frost dates, check out our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Maintain a soil temperature of 75-85 F using a heat mat if necessary. Before transplanting outdoors, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Plant them 18 inches apart in rows spaced 24-36 inches apart.

How to Grow

Water regularly and deeply to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the plants. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, as eggplants are heavy feeders. Monitor for common pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and spider mites, and treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Pick the fruit regularly to encourage continuous fruit production throughout the season.

How to Save Seeds

  • Eggplants are not insect-pollinated, so it is not necessary to isolate the plants very much to ensure pure seed. For home gardeners, an isolation distance of at least 40 feet is sufficient for seed saving.
  • Allow fruit to become overripe; the fruit will become slightly wrinkled and soft.
  • Scoop seeds out, rinse, and spread out to dry thoroughly.
  • Properly stored eggplant seeds will remain viable for up to 4 years.

FAQ

Can Chinese String eggplant be grown in containers?

Yes, this variety can be grown in containers as long as the pot is at least 5 gallons in size and has proper drainage.

How do I prevent Chinese String eggplants from becoming bitter?

Harvest the eggplants when they are young and tender. Proper watering and fertilizing also reduce the chance of bitterness.

Can I eat the skin of Chinese String eggplants?

Yes, the skin of this variety is thin and tender, so there is no need to peel it before cooking.

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