Seeds – Eggplant, Rosa di Napoli OG (F) Fruition

Latin Name: Solanum aethiopicum
Main Uses: Culinary
Days to Maturity: 65 – 72 days
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 60 – 90 cm (24 – 36 inches)
Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination: 5 – 14 days at 21 – 25ºC.
Sowing Indoors: 8 – 10 weeks before the planting-out date. Bottom heat improves germination rates and times. For best results, apply Sea Magic™ kelp from first watering. Apply a seedling-starter fertilizer such as Evolve Seedling once the second set of true leaves has appeared, and then alternate between the kelp and seedling starter until transplant.
Planting Depth: 1/4″. Cover lightly.
Spacing: Minimum 8″ container per plant. In the garden, space 10 – 12″ apart.
Planting Out: Often grown in containers in northern gardens – plant out/set outdoors starting in mid-June. Requires heat! 

Growing in Containers: Grows very well in containers and raised beds.

Fertilizing (Containers): Plant in a quality, organic-based potting mix with good drainage. Fertilize regularly with organic plant food. Jobes organic spikes are easy and effective!

Watering (Containers): Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Monitor every day or two during very hot weather.

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in a garden bed recently amended with compost. Application of Kelp is beneficial.

Watering (Garden): Water deeply to establish. Water mature plants weekly during hot weather.

Notes: Eggplant attracts the same type of pests as its close relatives – peppers, tomatoes and potatoes – therefore, avoid planting them in close proximity.

Harvesting: Pick when fruits stop rapidly growing and still have a glossy texture. Over-ripened fruit will be soft and have hard seeds.

Suitability for Indoors: Not well suited for indoors – may be grown as a specialized crop.

What about Grow Lights? Grow lights are required to grow this crop indoors.