Black Beauty Eggplant

Black Beauty Eggplant

Step aside, garden gnomes—there’s a new beauty on the block! The Black Beauty Eggplant is an heirloom stunner that’s been turning heads (and satisfying bellies) since the early 1900s. Bred for big, bold harvests and unbeatable flavor, it’s long been a favorite of backyard gardeners, chefs, and homestead heroes alike. With its rich purple sheen and classic globe shape, Black Beauty brings a touch of royal flair to your veggie patch—no tiara required.

Watch in delight as this plant pumps out hearty fruits that hold their shape in the skillet and soak up marinades like a dream. Whether you’re grilling it to perfection or layering it in lasagna, this eggplant delivers the goods—and then some.

Its upright habit makes it perfect for raised beds and container gardens alike, and with just a little sun, water, and love, it’ll reward you with a bounty fit for a (veggie) king. So roll out the compost carpet—Black Beauty’s here to reign!

Gardening tip: If your eggplant starts looking shady, give it a good talking to—or, you know, a little more sun. 😎🍆

📋 Key Characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Solanum melongena
  • Plant Type: Annual (tender perennial in frost-free zones)
  • Variety Type: Heirloom
  • Growth Habit: Upright, Bushy
  • Mature Size: 24–36″ tall, 18–24″ wide
  • Fruit Type: Large Globe
  • Fruit/Flower Description: Deep, glossy purple fruits with lavender flowers—like a royal jewel nestled among the leaves
  • Fruit Size and Weight: 4–6 inches long, 1–1.5 lbs each
  • Days to Germination: 7–14 days
  • Days to Maturity/Harvest: 75–85 days
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4–11 (grown as an annual)
  • Ideal Growing Temperature: 70–90°F (21–32°C)
  • Lowest Survivable Temperature: 50°F (10°C)—no chilling, please!

🌞 Growing Information

  • Sunlight Requirements: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily)
  • Ideal Soil Type: Rich, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter
  • Watering Needs: Regular watering—don’t let it dry out or it might throw a hissy fit!
  • Spacing: 18–24 inches apart
  • Planting Depth: 1/4 inch deep for seeds
  • Ideal Planting Time: Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; transplant after danger of frost has passed—eggplants are very drama-queen about cold!

🌼 Planting & Care Tips

Black Beauty eggplants love warm feet and a cozy start. Give seedlings a heat mat or toasty window while sprouting indoors, and make sure they go outside only when the night air feels like summer. Stake ‘em early to avoid floppy fruit drama. Mulch to keep weeds at bay and moisture steady, and give them a regular dose of compost tea or balanced fertilizer.

Pests like flea beetles and aphids might try to crash the garden party—show them the door with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Pro tip: floating row covers early on can save you a lot of nibble-related heartache.

🪴 Eggplant pun? Oh you bett-a-believe it: give your plant some space to grow or it’ll throw a purple pout!

 

🥗 Culinary or Ornamental Uses

This eggplant is the go-to classic for creamy baba ghanoush, rich ratatouille, and crispy eggplant parm that’s so good it’ll have you shouting, “Holy aubergine!” Its mild, tender flesh absorbs flavors like a culinary sponge, and it holds up well to grilling, roasting, baking, and stuffing. Slice it thick or thin—it’s meaty, satisfying, and surprisingly versatile. Want to impress your guests? Grill it with a touch of olive oil and garlic and serve it as the main course!

(And let’s be honest—it’s the egg-cellent centerpiece your summer veggie tray deserves.)

📌 Companion Plants & Recommendations

Pair Black Beauty with basil (for flavor and pest control), marigolds (for nematode patrol), and bush beans (for extra nitrogen joy). Want to give it a leg up? Try our Eggdrasil Farms compost blend or a warm-loving plant boost fertilizer.

You don’t need a crown to grow royalty—but Black Beauty certainly deserves one! 👑🍆

🔖 Keywords & Tags

eggplant, heirloom, black beauty, large globe eggplant, culinary eggplant, tender flesh, meaty texture, summer vegetable, warm-season crop, grilling vegetable, beginner-friendly, full sun, disease-resistant, container gardening, raised beds, nightshade family, rich soil, drought-tolerant once established, southern gardens

📍 Local Pickup Information

This plant is exclusively available for local pickup in Jonesboro, GA! We package with care to make sure your eggplant arrives happy and healthy. Swing by and join our growing community—where the soil is rich and the jokes are dirt cheap! 😄🌿

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