"Diamond" Eggplant

Solanum melongena

One of the earliest maturing varieties of traditional black oval Italian eggplant. Diamond boasts high yields and excellent plant vigor while producing eggplants that are attractive, uniform and full of flavor. This is a workhorse variety that even out-yields hybrids. Early, prolific, beautiful, tasty and resilient— you just can’t beat that package deal!

Growing Instruction:

Sow indoors 8 weeks before last frost and transplant out after frost.

Space plants 18” apart.

Space rows 2 feet apart.

Eggplant are similar to peppers in that too much nitrogen will lead to more leaf development and less fruit or later fruiting. Give eggplants plenty of compost at time of planting. We also recommend a fall or spring cover crop of peas or another annual legume where plants will be to fix nitrogen for the crop.

Mulching eggplant is a good idea, however mulching in mid spring will keep soil temperature cooler and may slow growth. Mulching can be done once soil has warmed.

Make sure soil pH is between 5.8 and 7.0. If plant needs a growing boost water with nitrogen tea or compost tea a few times. If trace minerals are inadequate sprinkle a small amount of woodash or azomite in each planting hole

Harvest:

Harvest once eggplant has turned its full color. Do not eat eggplant that are underripe or turning yellow.