The Black Beauty Eggplant, also known as the Eggplant Black Beauty, is an elegant vegetable with a striking purple-black hue. Native to China and India, this unique eggplant variety is as attractive as it is delicious.
With its distinct color, shape, and size, the Black Beauty Eggplant is a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything there is to know about this gorgeous fruit.
From its culinary uses to its various health benefits, we’ll look at all of the reasons why the Black Beauty Eggplant should be a part of your next meal.
Introducing Black Beauty Eggplant
Black Beauty Eggplant is a classic variety with a rich history and stunning appearance. This gorgeous purple-black fruit was first introduced over a century ago by Burpee and has remained a popular choice among gardeners worldwide.
What sets Black Beauty apart is its large size, creamy flavor, and early maturity, often producing fruit as little as 75 days after transplanting. With a prolific yield of at least 6 large eggplants per plant and the potential for up to 12, Black Beauty is perfect for container gardening, requiring a minimum 5-gallon container.
| Information | Description |
| Botanical name | Solanum melongena var. esculentum |
| Family | Solanacea |
| Spacing | 1 per square foot. Plants grow to 76 cm (30″) tall. |
| Season | Warm, annual |
| Depth | Plant seeds 6 mm (¼”) deep. |
| Requirements | Hottest and sunniest spot in your garden. pH around 6-6.5. |
| Germination | Seeds will sprout in 5-10 days. |
| Pests | Eggplants can get aphids, which you can wash off with a strong jet of water. |
| Timing | Plant seeds indoors in early March to plant transplants in the garden in late May. |
| Harvest | 80 days |
| Plant Height | Up to 30 inches tall |
| Open Pollinated? | Yes |
Read on to learn more about growing, caring for, and picking Black Beauty eggplants.
The Nutritional Value of Black Beauty Eggplant
Aside from being a beautiful addition to any garden or kitchen, black beauty eggplants also pack a nutritional punch. These purple-black fruits are low in calories but high in fiber, making them an excellent addition to any healthy diet.
In terms of vitamins and minerals, black beauty eggplants are a good source of B vitamins, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, niacin, and folic acid. Additionally, they are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which give them their characteristic deep color.
If you’re looking to add more fiber and nutrients to your diet, black beauty eggplants are a great option. And with their versatile flavor and texture, they can be used in a variety of recipes.
How to Grow Black Beauty Eggplants from Seed?
Growing Black Beauty Eggplants from seed is an easy and rewarding experience. With proper care and attention, you can harvest a bountiful crop of this beautiful and delicious fruit.
Follow these steps to grow Black Beauty Eggplants from seed:
1. Choose a sunny location
Black Beauty Eggplants require full sun to thrive. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. Prepare the soil
The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic (pH of 5.5-6.5). You can improve the soil quality by adding compost, aged manure, or other organic amendments.
3. Start seeds indoors
Black Beauty Eggplant seeds can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Use a seedling tray or individual pots filled with a high-quality seed-starting mix. Sow the seeds about 1⁄4 inch deep and water gently.
4. Provide adequate light
Once the seeds have germinated, they require bright light to grow. You can provide light using grow lights or by placing the seedlings on a sunny windowsill.
5. Harden off seedlings
Before transplanting the seedlings into the garden, they need to be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions. Begin by placing the seedlings outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time and exposure to sunlight.
6. Plant seedlings outdoors
After hardening off, transplant the seedlings outdoors when the soil has warmed up and there is no risk of frost. Plant the seedlings at a depth of about 1 inch and space them about 18-24 inches apart.
7. Water and fertilize
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
8. Control pests and diseases
Black Beauty Eggplants can be prone to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles. Monitor the plants regularly and treat them with organic insecticides or beneficial insects as needed.
By following these Black Beauty Eggplant growing tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, healthy fruits. Don’t forget to pay attention to Black Beauty Eggplant size and care, as well as when to pick them for the best flavor.
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Afterplant Care Tips For Black Beauty Eggplants
Now that you have successfully planted your Black Beauty Eggplants, it is important to take proper care of them to ensure a good harvest. Here are some afterplant care tips for Black Beauty Eggplants:
- Watering: Eggplants require regular watering to stay healthy and produce a good crop. Ensure that the soil around the plants is always moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as this can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Water the plants at the base instead.
- Fertilizing: Black Beauty Eggplants are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plants every two weeks during the growing season.
- Mulching: Mulching helps to retain soil moisture, prevent weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants, such as straw, leaves, or grass clippings.
- Supporting: As the plants grow, they may need support to prevent them from falling over. Stake the plants or use a trellis system to support them.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common pests that can affect eggplants, such as aphids, flea beetles, and spider mites. If you notice any pests, take appropriate action to control them, such as using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Pruning: Black Beauty Eggplants can become quite large, so it is important to prune them to keep them under control. Prune any side shoots or suckers that grow from the base of the plant, as well as any yellowing or diseased leaves.
- Harvesting: When the fruit reaches its mature size (around 4-6 inches), it is ready to be harvested. Gently twist the fruit from the stem or use a sharp knife to cut it from the plant. Harvest regularly to encourage more fruit production.
By following these after-plant care tips, you can ensure that your Black Beauty Eggplants stay healthy and produce a good crop.
When and How to Pick Black Beauty Eggplants?
One of the joys of growing Black Beauty Eggplants is harvesting and enjoying their delicious fruit. But when exactly is the best time to pick these gorgeous purple-black vegetables?
Black Beauty Eggplants should be harvested when they are still glossy and reach a length of 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) for traditional-sized eggplants or 2 to 3 inches (5-7 cm) for mini-sized eggplants. It is essential to avoid letting the fruits become overripe and turn dull.
It is best to use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stems, rather than twisting or breaking them. This will help prevent damage to the plant and future growth.
Regularly harvesting the eggplants can help keep the plant healthy and productive, encouraging new growth and the development of new fruit.
How to Store Black Beauty Eggplants?
Now that you have successfully grown and harvested your Black Beauty Eggplants, it is important to store them correctly to ensure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible. ]
Here are some tips for storing Black Beauty Eggplants:
- Timing is everything when it comes to picking Black Beauty Eggplants for storage. Wait until they have reached full maturity before harvesting. This is usually when the fruits have a glossy, purple-black color and are around 6-8 inches long.
- Before storing, check the size of your Black Beauty Eggplant plant. The fruits are heavy, and if your plant is small, it may not be able to support them for too long. To avoid overburdening your plant, harvest only the fruits that have reached their full size.
- Once you have harvested your Black Beauty Eggplants, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry, cellar, or basement can work well.
- If you plan to store your Black Beauty Eggplants for an extended period, wrap them in a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture and help prevent mold.
- Do not wash your Black Beauty Eggplants before storing them. Any excess moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your Black Beauty Eggplants fresh for up to two weeks. Enjoy them roasted, grilled, fried, or as an ingredient in your favorite recipes.
Conclusion
In summary, Black Beauty Eggplants are a gorgeous and nutritious addition to any garden. Starting from seedlings and providing proper afterplant care will result in a plant that can grow up to three feet tall.
Knowing when to pick the fruit and how to store it is key to enjoying this beautiful fruit at its best. Overall, the Black Beauty Eggplant is a must-try for any home gardener looking to add some stunning produce to their collection.
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FAQs
Here are some faqs related to Black Beauty Eggplants.
When to pick Eggplant Black Beauty?
Black Beauty eggplants are ready to be picked between 75 and 90 days after transplanting your Black Beauty eggplant seedling into the ground.
How big do black beauty eggplant plants get?
Black Beauty eggplant plants can grow up to 30 inches tall. Knowing the plant size is important when deciding on when to pick Black Beauty eggplants, which are usually ready to harvest when they reach a certain size and color.
How to transplant black beauty eggplant in pots?
Choose a pot with a diameter of at least 12 inches. Plant your black beauty eggplant seedlings in well-draining soil, leaving a distance of 18 to 24 inches between plants. Ensure the pot receives full sun. Expect the plant to grow to a height of 24 to 30 inches. When to pick black beauty eggplant? Once the fruit is about 6 to 8 inches long.
How to know when black beauty eggplant is ripe?
To determine when to pick Black Beauty Eggplant, look for a glossy sheen, firm skin, and a size of about 4-6 inches in length and 2-3 inches in diameter. The plant size will vary depending on growing conditions and pruning techniques.
