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Classic — Aubergines | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Classic
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

65-75days to harvest

7-14days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant after soil temperature reaches 65°F and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: High — consistent moisture needed
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 1-3 feet
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Deep glossy purple
Size: 1-1 1/2"
Shape: Traditional oval to teardrop shape
Flavour: Mild, creamy texture with minimal bitterness

In the kitchen

Excellent for grilling, roasting, baba ganoush, moussaka, eggplant parmesan, and stir-fries

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Flea beetles, Colorado potato beetle, aphids, spider mites
Diseases: Fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, phomopsis blight, early blight
Resistance: Good resistance to verticillium wilt and tobacco mosaic virus

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	May	July – August	—	September – August
2	April – May	June – July	—	September
3	April	June – July	—	August – October
4	March – April	June	—	August – October
5	March	May – June	—	August – October
6	March	May – June	—	July – September
7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
8	February	April – May	—	June – August
9	January	March – April	—	May – July
10	January	February – March	—	May – July
11	January	January – February	—	April – June
12	January	January – February	—	April – June
13	January	January – February	—	April – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms while potentially improving eggplant flavor

TomatoesSimilar growing requirements and can share space efficiently as nightshade family members

PeppersCompatible nightshade family plants with similar soil and watering needs

MarigoldsRepel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects

NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting eggplant

CatnipStrong insect repellent that deters ants, aphids, and flea beetles

Hot PeppersNatural pest deterrent that repels many insects harmful to eggplant

BorageAttracts pollinators and beneficial insects while potentially improving growth

Avoid

FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most garden plants

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that causes wilting and death in nightshade family plants

BrassicasCompete for similar nutrients and may stunt eggplant growth through root competition

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 25
Protein (g): 0.98
Fat (g): 0.18
Carbohydrate (g): 5.88
Fibre (g): 3
Sugars (g): 3.53
Vitamin A (µg): 1
Vitamin C (mg): 2.2
Vitamin E (mg): 0.3
Vitamin K (µg): 3.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.084
Folate (µg): 22
Calcium (mg): 9
Iron (mg): 0.23
Magnesium (mg): 14
Phosphorus (mg): 24
Potassium (mg): 229
Zinc (mg): 0.16
Selenium (µg): 0.3

← PreviousWhite Egg Next →Thai Long Green

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the aubergines growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Classic

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Classic?

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