Description
Jewel Amethyst' is perfect for containers, with a tidy habit that makes harvesting a breeze. Glossy, oval, purple fruits are best harvested when about 3″–4 1/2″ long. Harvest regularly from this prolific plant and keep eggplant on the table throughout the season. Its firm texture and mild flavor make this mini eggplant ideal for roasting, frying, or glazing with a flavorful sauce. See inside of packet for our Gochujang Glazed Eggplant recipe!
Days to Maturity: 80 days from transplanting
Family: Solanaceae, Nightshade family, includes tomatoes, potatoes, petunias, nicotiana, Chinese lantern, and eggplant.
Native: Asia
Hardiness: Perennial in tropical climates; grown as annual in climates other than those that are frost-free and very warm; very frost sensitive.
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: 22″ tall, 18″ wide
Variety Info: 4 1/2″ long, 2″ wide, 3 ounce fruit with smooth, shiny, purple skin and a creamy, white interior.
When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 70°F, ideally 80°-90°F, and when outside night air temperature is above 60°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 10 to 12 weeks before your average last frost date. Transplant outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after last frost, when soil temperature is at least 60°F, and outside night air temperature is above 60°F.
Days to Emerge: 10 – 20 days
Seed Depth: 1/4″
Seed Spacing: Start Indoors
Row Spacing: 36″
Thinning: Start indoors; plant 18″ apart outside
Harvesting: Jewel Amethyst' should be harvested when the fruit is 3″–4 ½” long and the skin is still shiny. If you are in doubt about maturity level, note that it’s better to harvest eggplants a little young rather than wait until they are overly mature with dull skin, eventually possibly turning a golden color, with plentiful seeds, and bitter taste. To harvest, cut the stem with pruners. Continual harvest will encourage more production.
Special Care: In areas where cool soil is a concern, growing eggplant in dark-colored containers or using black plastic mulch will warms the soil. The best method of watering when using plastic mulch is drip irrigation, or a soaker hose underneath the plastic.
12 Seeds
