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Epic F1 — Aubergines | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Epic F1
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

65-75days to harvest

7-14days to germinate

Z9–12USDA zones

Easydifficulty

F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Transplant when soil reaches 60°F and nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: High — consistent moisture needed
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-6.8
Spacing: 24-30 inches
Height: 2-4 feet
Season: Year Round

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Deep glossy purple-black
Size: 6-8 inches long, 4-5 inches wide
Shape: Classic oval teardrop shape
Flavour: Rich, meaty texture with mild, classic eggplant flavor

In the kitchen

Moussaka, baba ganoush, eggplant parmesan, grilling, roasting, stuffing

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Flea beetles, aphids, hornworms, spider mites
Diseases: Generally disease resistant, occasional bacterial wilt in very wet conditions
Resistance: Excellent resistance to tobacco mosaic virus, verticillium wilt, and fusarium 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

TomatoesSimilar growing requirements and can share support structures, both nightshades

PeppersCompatible nightshade family members with similar soil and water needs

MarigoldsRepel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies that commonly attack eggplants

OreganoDeters spider mites, aphids, and cabbage moths with strong aromatic compounds

ThymeRepels hornworms and flea beetles while attracting beneficial insects

ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps for pest control

Hot PeppersNatural pest deterrent through capsaicin, helps protect nearby eggplants

Avoid

FennelProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most vegetables including eggplant

Black WalnutReleases juglone toxin that causes wilting and stunted growth in nightshades

BrassicasCompete for similar nutrients and may attract flea beetles that also damage eggplants

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

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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.

Epic 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 Epic F1?

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