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Eggplant Seeds, Chinese String
Description
(Solanum melongena). This is the most slender, tender and best-tasting variety we have grown! This marvelous eggplant is so sweet; it is even delicious raw in salads, and this buttery, tender East China variety is our top choice for doing just that! The very high-yielding plants produce profusions of 10- to 15-inch long fruit with lavender-violet skin and snowy white flesh. A superior choice for sautéing, grilling, and more! This is a masterpiece of thousands of years of eggplant selection from China. We grow these almost year-round in our greenhouses and outdoors in the warmer months. They are super quick to mature, and the new baby fruit can be cooked whole like green beans, only these are better!
- 75 days to maturity
- 6-8 hours of full sun
- Sprouts in 10-15 days
- Seed Depth: 1/4"
- Plant Spacing: 18"
- Ideal Temperature: 75-95 F
- Frost Hardy: No
Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs
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.
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
- 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. Check out our recipe blog where Baker Creek staffer Chen Xu shares this easy-to-cook eggplant recipe!
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