Eggplant Seeds - Casper

A Sweet and Mild White Eggplant Variety for Gourmet Gardens

The Casper eggplant is an exciting and unique variety that stands out for its creamy white color and mild, delicate flavor. Known for its smooth texture and slightly sweet taste, this eggplant is ideal for various culinary uses and will add a unique twist to any dish. Whether grilled, roasted, or sautéed, Casper eggplants are sure to impress.

Key Benefits

• Stunning White Fruit: Casper eggplants have a striking creamy white exterior that contrasts beautifully with their tender, pale flesh, making them an eye-catching addition to your garden or on your plate.
• Mild Flavor: Unlike the slightly bitter flavor of many traditional purple eggplants, Casper has a mild and sweet flavor, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle taste in their dishes.
• Smooth Texture: The flesh of Casper eggplant is smooth and creamy, making it a perfect candidate for grilling, baking, and sautéing without becoming overly mushy or watery.
• Compact Growth Habit: This variety tends to have a compact growth habit, making it a great option for smaller garden spaces or container gardening.
• Low Bitterness: Casper eggplants tend to have less of the bitter taste found in some other varieties, making them more versatile for a range of recipes.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start Indoors: Start seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Use grow lights or place seeds in a warm location to encourage germination, keeping temperatures around 70°F-80°F (21°C-27°C).
• Transplant Outdoors: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C).

Planting Details

• Depth: Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or pots.
• Spacing: When transplanting to the garden, space plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
• Light: Casper eggplants need full sun to thrive, so ensure the planting area receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Soil: Plant in well-draining, rich soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. Adding compost can improve soil quality and help retain moisture.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Eggplants need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Be sure to water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of disease.
• Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing

• Use a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth and fruit development, especially one with higher levels of phosphorus and potassium.
• Organic fertilizers such as compost or fish emulsion can also be effective and provide nutrients for long-term soil health.

Pruning and Support

• While Casper eggplants tend to grow relatively compact, you may want to use light staking to support the plant as the fruits mature.
• Prune away any dead or yellowing leaves to improve airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Harvesting

• When to Harvest: Harvest Casper eggplants when the fruits are about 6-8 inches long, and the skin is smooth and glossy. They should be firm but not overly hard to the touch. The white skin should not have any blemishes or signs of over-ripeness.
• How to Harvest: Cut the fruit from the plant with a sharp knife or pruning shears, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to prevent damage.

Uses

• Grilling: The mild flavor and smooth texture of Casper eggplants make them perfect for grilling. Simply slice into rounds, season with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and grill until tender.
• Roasting: Slice into thick rounds or wedges and roast with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a delicious side dish.
• Stuffing: Hollow out the eggplants and stuff with your favorite fillings, like rice, cheese, or ground meat, for a savory meal.
• Sautéing: Sauté with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a quick and tasty dish that complements other vegetables or grains.
• Eggplant Parmesan: Use thin slices of Casper eggplant in place of traditional purple eggplants for a lighter, subtly sweet variation of eggplant Parmesan.

Coverage

• Packet: A packet of Casper eggplant seeds contains enough for several plants, providing you with a beautiful and productive harvest.

Why Choose Casper Eggplant?

If you’re looking for an eggplant that’s both visually striking and delicious, Casper eggplant is the perfect choice. With its mild flavor, creamy texture, and attractive white color, it’s ideal for those who want to experiment with new flavors in the kitchen. Its compact growth makes it a great fit for small gardens or containers, and its ability to thrive in a variety of cooking methods ensures it will become a favorite in your vegetable garden.