Aswad Eggplant on a white background.
Cyan holding Aswad Eggplant.
Aswad Eggplant on blue plate and background.
Aswad Eggplant with slices on blue background.
Aswad Eggplant on a white background.
Cyan holding Aswad Eggplant.
Aswad Eggplant on blue plate and background.
Aswad Eggplant with slices on blue background.

Eggplant Seeds,
Aswad

4.353 ReviewsSKU: #EG175
Price
Regular price $3.00
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Min. 25 seeds

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Description

(Solanum melongena). This incredibly delicious Iraqi variety comes from our friend Nael Aziz. Satiny, dark purple-black fruit gets very large—to 3 pounds or more. Shaped like a squat teardrop, its flesh is sweet and tender, perfect for grilling or baking. Very heat tolerant and abundantly productive in our trials.

Growing Tips: This heat-loving heirloom plant thrives in warm weather, requiring consistent moisture, fertile soil, and at least 6–8 hours of full sun daily. As a member of the nightshade family, eggplants are susceptible to pests like flea beetles and spider mites. Use row covers early in the season to deter pests; using mulch can also be helpful.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Solanum melongena
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
10–15
Days to Maturity
85
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
18 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost. Transplant outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 65 F. Eggplants grow best in USDA zones 8–10 but can thrive in other zones as well with proper care. Use a frost date calculator to determine your local planting timeline. 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 in seed-starting mix at 75–85 F. Harden off seedlings before transplanting into full sun, spacing plants about 18 inches apart. Use rich, well-draining soil amended with compost, and mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

How to Grow

Water deeply 1–2 times weekly, avoiding overwatering. Fertilize when plants flower and set fruit using a balanced or organic fertilizer. Protect from pests like aphids and flea beetles using neem oil, and harvest when fruits are glossy and firm.

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

Why are my Aswad eggplants not setting fruit?

Poor fruit set can be caused by temperatures that are too hot or too cold, insufficient pollination, or stress from inconsistent watering.

Do I need to prune Aswad eggplants?

Pruning is not necessary but can improve airflow and focus the plant's energy on producing fruit. Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves.

Can Aswad eggplant tolerate cooler climates?

Eggplants prefer warm weather, so they may struggle in cooler climates. Consider using row covers or growing them in greenhouses if your region has a short growing season.

Browse our full range of eggplant seeds.

Customer reviews

4.3 / 5 53 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Huge fruit: Fruits often top 2 pounds and stay nearly seedless.

  • Thrives in heat: Keeps setting fruit through 100F-plus summers and drought.

  • Creamy, never bitter: Mild, sweet flesh with no bitterness, even when large.

  • Big, heavy plants: Tall plants load up with fruit; give them a sturdy cage.

  • Heads up: Flea beetles target young plants; cover or treat early.

More to grow!
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