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Dusky F1 — Aubergines | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Dusky F1
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

65-75days to harvest

7-14days to germinate

Z9–12USDA zones

Easy to Moderatedifficulty

F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant after soil temperature reaches 65°F consistently.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: High — consistent moisture needed
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 2-4 feet
Season: Year Round

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Glossy dark purple-black
Size: 6-8 inches long, 3-4 inches wide
Shape: Classic oval teardrop shape
Flavour: Creamy, mild flavor with smooth texture

In the kitchen

Eggplant parmesan, grilling, roasting, Mediterranean cuisine, moussaka

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Flea beetles, aphids, spider mites, thrips
Diseases: Verticillium wilt, early blight, phomopsis blight
Resistance: Excellent resistance to tobacco mosaic virus and bacterial wilt

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, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving eggplant flavor

MarigoldsDeter nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies with their natural compounds

TomatoesShare similar growing requirements and pest management strategies as fellow nightshades

PeppersCompatible nightshade family members with similar soil and water needs

Bush BeansFix nitrogen in soil and don't compete for space with eggplant's deep roots

NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids, cucumber beetles, and squash bugs

OreganoRepels aphids, spider mites, and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

CatnipStrongly deters flea beetles, aphids, and ants that can damage eggplant

Avoid

Black Walnut TreesRelease juglone toxin that causes wilting and death in nightshade plants

FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth and germination of eggplant

BrassicasCompete heavily for nutrients and may attract flea beetles that also damage eggplant

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

← PreviousChinese Long Next →Bambino F1

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.

Dusky F1

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 Dusky F1?

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