Aubergines
65days to harvest
10-14days to germinate
Z9–12USDA zones
Easydifficulty
F1 hybridContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Transplant when soil temperature reaches 65°F and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
High — consistent moisture needed
Soil
Well-drained, fertile potting mix or garden soil
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
2-4 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Purple and white striped
Size
2-4"
Shape
Small oval to teardrop
Flavour
Sweet, tender, and mild with creamy texture

In the kitchen

Perfect for grilling whole, roasting, stuffing, appetizers, and gourmet presentations. Great for kids and small portions.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Flea beetles, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, early blight
Resistance
Good disease resistance for extended harvest

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1MayJuly – August—September – August
2April – MayJune – July—September
3AprilJune – July—August – October
4March – AprilJune—August – October
5MarchMay – June—August – October
6MarchMay – June—July – September
7February – MarchApril – May—July – September
8FebruaryApril – May—June – August
9JanuaryMarch – April—May – July
10JanuaryFebruary – March—May – July
11JanuaryJanuary – February—April – June
12JanuaryJanuary – February—April – June
13JanuaryJanuary – February—April – June

Companion planting

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

BasilRepels aphids, spider mites, and hornworms while potentially improving eggplant flavor
TomatoesShare similar growing conditions and pest management strategies as fellow nightshades
PeppersCompatible nightshade family members with similar water and nutrient needs
MarigoldsRepel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies that commonly attack eggplants
NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles while deterring squash bugs
OreganoRepels aphids and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture
ThymeDeters hornworms and flea beetles while attracting beneficial predatory insects
CatnipRepels flea beetles, aphids, and ants that can damage eggplant foliage

Avoid

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that causes wilting and stunted growth in nightshade plants
FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most vegetable plants
SunflowersCompete heavily for nutrients and water while potentially harboring stink bugs

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

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.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Fairy Tale?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other eggplants with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Fairy Tale suits these too.

Browse all 29 eggplants