Colors, shapes and niches spur growing eggplant market

Eggplant consumption is trending higher in the U.S., resulting in more than 160 million pounds of the crop being grown annually. Today, the colors (purplish black, red, white and variegated), shapes (egg-shaped, elongated, and round), and niche varieties (Asian and minis) are more popular and abundant than ever. Check out these varieties.

For more: bonnieplants.com

Production:

The Patio Baby F1 by PanAmerican Seed is the 2014 All-America Selections Regional Edible Winner grows as a naturally compact plant and is for container and small-space gardening. Its smooth leaves and calyx makes for an attractive ornamental. The miniature eggplants are less bitter than comparison varieties. They grow early and often, producing plenty for roasting, dips, and salads.

• Light: Full sun
• Fruit size: 2 to 3 in. / 5 to 7 cm
• Matures: 45 days
• Plant spacing: 18 to 22 in. / 45 to 55 cm
• Plant size (height): 16 to 20 inches / 40 to 50 centimeters
   

For more: panamseed.com

Early Midnight by Burpee Home Gardens features plump and dark-skinned 6-in./15-cm fruits with creamy white, nearly seedless flesh, so even if left on the vine too long, the mid-size fruit is extra tasty. Ready for harvest a full week earlier, it produces two or three more fruit than other eggplants. The variety is available exclusively through the Burpee Home Gardens program.

• Light: Full sun
• Fruit size: 6 inches / 15 centimeters
• Matures: 55 days
• Plant spacing: 24 to 36 inches / 60 to 91 centimeters
• Plant size (height): 32 inches / 78 centimeters
   

For more: burpeehomegardens.com

Classic by Ball Ingenuity is a Ball Seed exclusive. It has glossy, 8- to 9-inch (20- to 23-centimeter) fruit. It reaches maturity in 76 days with a teardrop fruit shape and features a purple-black color.

• Light: Full sun
• Fruit size: 8 to 9 inches / 20 to 23 centimeters
• Matures: 76 days
• Plant Shape: Teardrop
• Plant spacing: 24 to 36 inches / 60 to 91 centimeters
   

For more: ballseed.com

Satin Beauty has uniform fruit and is up to two weeks earlier than Black Beauty. The oval-shaped fruit has a black-purple color and is ready for harvest in 65 days.

• Light: Full sun
• Fruit shape: Oval
• Matures: 65 days
• Plant spacing: 24 to 36 inches / 60 to 91 centimeters
   

For more: ballseed.com

Did you know?
Ancient Persians used eggplants to cure everything from pimples to epilepsy.