Plant Finder - the ultimate garden reference resource
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Common Names
Eggplant
Aubergine
Mad Apple
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Botanic Name
Genus: Solanum
Species: melongena
Variety:
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Type: Vegetable
Family: SOLANACEAE
Origins: Asia
Light: Full Sun
Wind: Sheltered
Growth: Very fast
Frost: Marginal
Evergreen: No
Native: No
Height: 3m
Width: 3m
Position
Pots & Planters
Trellis
Vegetable / Herb garden
RETAIL Availability
Easy to find
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Flower Colour
Blue
White
Flowering Time
(Southern Hemisphere)
January
February
September
October
November
December
Climate Zone
Zone: 9
Zone: 10
Zone: 11
Zone: 12
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This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
This perennial vegetable bears large purple/black fruits that are delicious when cooked. It grows in a rambling manner and generally needs a support when it gets older. The leaves are mid green and large with a soft underside. Purple/blue flowers are borne in summer and are followed by the edible fruits. A favourite veggie in many Mediterranean dishes and they taste delicious stuffed.
Soil: It can tolerate most soils with adequate drainage and reliable moisture. Keep well watered in warm weather. if soils are sandy. Feed with potassium rich fertilisers when fruits are swelling.
Maintenance: Train it to a single stem at first and when it's about 0.3m tall, pinch out the terminal growth bud to encourage side branching. Limit each plant to 6-8 fruits to maximise size. The fruits are ready to harvest when they give slightly when touched, but are still firm.
Diseases: Can sometimes be affected by Aphids, bu this is rarely a problem.
Toxicity: The fruits and seeds are edible, however, the remainder of the plant is poisonous. The fruits should not be consumed raw.
Other Species: 1,400 species in this genus including many ornamnental and edible shrubs, trees, perennials and climbers - also includes the ever popular Potato.
Comments: Different varieties are available with different fruit shapes and sizes. - e.g. there are elongated, finger shaped Aubergines that are delightful to look at and great to eat. they can be drizzled with olive oil and barbecued whole or sliced in half.
Author: Bob Saunders.
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Here we list businesses who usually sell this plant.
Online Retailers
Gardenarium
Based in South Australia, specialising in mainstream, rare and unusual perennial plants along with roses and ornamental trees.
Delivery to: ACT,NSW,NT,QLD,SA,VIC,WA
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Local Retailers
SA |
Mount Gambier:
Gardenarium |
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