{"product_id":"eggplant-long-purple-solanum-melongena","title":"Eggplant Long Purple - Solanum melongena","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEggplant Long Purple -\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSolanum melongena\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEggplant Long Purple produces striking, shiny, elongated purple fruits with excellent flavour. The vigorous plants are heavy croppers and produce an abundance of fruit throughout the warm growing season. The tender fruits are delicious in curries, stir fries, grilled dishes, casseroles and other savoury meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePacket Quantity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 seeds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Instructions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSowing Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpring and Summer. In warmer areas, sowing can extend into early Autumn. Eggplants are frost tender and require warm conditions for successful growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFull sun in a warm, sheltered position. Protect plants from strong winds and cold weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRich, fertile and well drained soil enriched with compost, well rotted manure or suitable organic fertiliser. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSowing Depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e5 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSow into seed trays or punnets containing quality seed raising mix, or sow directly once the soil has warmed. Transplant established seedlings into their final position with 60 cm between plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e10 to 14 days. Keep the seed raising mix consistently moist and warm during germination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eApproximately 12 to 16 weeks from sowing, depending on climate and growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow seeds in a quality seed raising mix and keep them warm and moist while germinating. Eggplants need plenty of warmth to establish, so avoid planting seedlings outdoors while temperatures are still cool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce seedlings are established, transplant carefully into fertile, well drained soil in a full sun position. Prepare the soil beforehand with compost or well rotted manure to encourage strong growth and good fruit production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep plants consistently watered, particularly during flowering and fruit development. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep the root zone evenly moist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed regularly with a suitable vegetable fertiliser once plants are established to encourage vigorous growth and continued fruiting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest the fruit while it is young and glossy, before the skin becomes dull and the seeds inside become larger and harder. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn windy areas, stake plants to provide support and help protect the stems as the plants become heavy with fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SHOP SEEDS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54049252966714,"sku":null,"price":7.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0766\/3245\/7530\/files\/eggplant-long-purple-solanum-melongena-9083357.png?v=1789259287","url":"https:\/\/www.shopseeds.com.au\/products\/eggplant-long-purple-solanum-melongena","provider":"SHOP SEEDS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}