Eggplant Seeds - Finger Fruit Purple

A Unique and Flavorful Eggplant Variety for Gourmet Gardens

The Finger Fruit Purple eggplant is an exciting and visually appealing variety that adds charm and distinctiveness to any garden. Its long, slender, and vibrant purple fruits are a striking feature, perfect for those who appreciate both aesthetics and flavor in their gardening endeavors. Known for its mild, tender flesh, Finger Fruit Purple is ideal for a variety of culinary applications.

Key Benefits

• Unique Appearance: The Finger Fruit Purple eggplant produces long, finger-like fruits that are deep purple in color, offering a distinctive look that stands out in any garden or farmer’s market.
• Mild Flavor: The eggplant has a mild, sweet flavor, making it a great addition to a variety of dishes without overwhelming other flavors.
• Tender Texture: The flesh of Finger Fruit Purple eggplant is creamy and tender, making it perfect for grilling, stir-fries, and other recipes where texture is key.
• Compact Size: This variety produces smaller, more compact fruits, making it a great option for gardeners with limited space or those who want more manageable harvests.
• Heirloom and Non-GMO: As a non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom, Finger Fruit Purple is ideal for gardeners who prefer growing natural, sustainable crops.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start Indoors: Begin by sowing seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Eggplants need warm soil to germinate, so ensure your indoor environment stays around 70°F-80°F (21°C-27°C).
• Transplant Outdoors: Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to about 60°F (15°C), you can transplant your seedlings outdoors.

Planting Details

• Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting pots or trays.
• Spacing: When transplanting seedlings into the garden, space them 18-24 inches apart to allow for healthy growth and air circulation.
• Light: Choose a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Soil: Grow Finger Fruit Purple eggplant in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Adding organic compost can improve soil quality.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Eggplants are sensitive to drought stress, so ensure regular watering to maintain steady growth, especially during dry spells.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds in check.

Fertilizing

• Use a balanced fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium to support healthy fruit development. Apply according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Organic options like compost or well-rotted manure can also be used to keep the soil nutrient-rich.

Pruning and Support

• Finger Fruit Purple eggplants are typically compact, but they may still benefit from light staking or support as they mature to prevent fruits from touching the soil.
• Prune away any yellowing or damaged leaves to ensure good air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

Harvesting

• When to Harvest: Harvest when the fruits are fully mature, about 8-10 inches long. The skin should be glossy and the flesh should be firm but tender to the touch.
• How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a small piece of stem attached to avoid damaging the plant.

Uses

• Grilling: Slice Finger Fruit Purple eggplant into long strips for grilling. Its mild flavor and tender flesh make it a perfect grilling companion, especially when paired with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
• Stuffing: Hollow out the eggplant and fill it with your favorite stuffing for a unique twist on stuffed vegetables.
• Stir-Fries: Add sliced Finger Fruit Purple to your favorite stir-fries for a creamy texture and subtle flavor.
• Baking: Use slices of Finger Fruit Purple for baked dishes, such as eggplant Parmesan or roasted eggplant with Mediterranean spices.
• Frying: Coat slices in a light batter or breadcrumbs and fry for a crispy, golden snack or appetizer.
• Salads: Grill or roast slices and add to salads for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Coverage

• Packet: A packet of Finger Fruit Purple eggplant seeds contains enough to grow several plants, providing you with a hearty harvest.

Why Choose Finger Fruit Purple Eggplants?

With their unique and eye-catching appearance, along with a mild, sweet flavor, Finger Fruit Purple eggplants are a must-grow for gardeners who want something special in their vegetable patch. Whether you're looking to experiment with new dishes or add a beautiful, colorful touch to your meals, this variety is a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.