HomeWHENWhen To Harvest Black Beauty Eggplant

When To Harvest Black Beauty Eggplant

Growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and the Black Beauty eggplant is an excellent choice for your vegetable garden. This dark purple, open-pollinated variety of eggplant is a popular choice among gardeners. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of growing Black Beauty eggplants, from sowing vegetable seeds to harvesting your delicious eggplants. Let’s learn how to grow black beauty eggplant from seeds.

As a dedicated gardener, I have nurtured countless vegetable plants from seeds to maturity, and I am excited to share my knowledge on how to grow this remarkable variety of eggplant.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Black Beauty Eggplants
  2. Plant Characteristics
  3. Choosing the Right Location
  4. Preparing the Soil
  5. Planting Black Beauty Eggplant Seeds
  6. Caring for Your Eggplant Seedlings
  7. Transplanting Black Beauty Seedlings
  8. Harvesting Your Black Beauty Eggplants

Introduction to Black Beauty Eggplants

Black Beauty eggplants are a dark purple, an open-pollinated variety known for their delicious taste and versatility in the kitchen. They are a warm-weather crop that requires a long growing season, making them perfect for regions with mild winters and hot summers. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing Black Beauty eggplants, from choosing the right location to harvesting your delicious crop.

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Plant Characteristics

Here are some key characteristics of the Black Beauty eggplant variety:

  • History of the Seed: The Black Beauty eggplant was first introduced in 1902 and has since become a popular choice for home gardeners.
  • Days till maturity: Approximately 80 days from transplanting.
  • Planting depth: 1/4 inch deep.
  • Plant spacing: 18-24 inches apart.
  • Days to germination: 7-14 days.
  • Start indoors or direct sown: It is best to start Black Beauty eggplants indoors, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
  • Full sun or partial shade: Black Beauty eggplants require full sun for optimal growth.
  • When to harvest: Harvest when the fruit is glossy, firm, and dark purple.
  • How tall does the plant get: The plant can reach heights of 24-30 inches.
  • How wide does the plant get: The plant can spread up to 18-24 inches.
  • Native: Black Beauty eggplants are native to Southeast Asia.
  • Family: Solanaceae (nightshade family).

Choosing the Right Location

Black Beauty eggplants require a location with the following characteristics:

  • Full Sun: The eggplant plants need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.
  • Well-Drained Soil: Ensure the selected site has well-draining soil to prevent root rot and other diseases.
  • Space: Provide adequate space for each plant, with 18-24 inches between each plant and 24-36 inches between rows.

Preparing the Soil

Proper soil preparation is crucial for the successful growth of your Black Beauty eggplants. Follow these steps to prepare your soil:

  1. Test Soil pH: Black Beauty eggplants prefer a slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Test your soil and adjust the pH if necessary by adding lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH).
  2. Amend the Soil: Work organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. This should be done a few weeks before planting.
  3. Soil Temperature: Black Beauty eggplants require a soil temperature of at least 60°F (15°C) for germination. Use a soil thermometer to check the temperature before planting.
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