Grown Japanese Long Purple?

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Japanese Long Purple — Aubergines

70-80days to harvest

7-14days to germinate

Z9–12USDA zones

Moderatedifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant after soil temperature reaches 60°F and all frost danger has passed.

Cultivation

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

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Deep glossy purple
Size: 8-10 inches long, 2 inches diameter
Shape: Long, slender, slightly curved
Flavour: Mild, sweet, and creamy with minimal bitterness

In the kitchen

Stir-fries, tempura, grilling, roasting, Asian dishes, curries

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Flea beetles, Colorado potato beetle, aphids, spider mites
Diseases: Verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, anthracnose, phomopsis blight
Resistance: Moderate resistance to common eggplant diseases

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
2	April – May	June – July	—	September
3	April	June – July	—	September – October
4	March – April	June	—	August – October
5	March	May – June	—	August – October
6	March	May – June	—	August – October
7	February – March	April – May	—	July – September
8	February	April – May	—	July – September
9	January	March – April	—	June – August
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 hornworms while potentially improving eggplant flavor

MarigoldDeters nematodes, whiteflies, and other harmful insects with strong scent

PeppersSimilar growing requirements and both benefit from same pest deterrents

TomatoesShare similar nutrient needs and growing conditions as fellow nightshades

NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, draws pests away

CatnipRepels flea beetles, ants, and aphids that commonly attack eggplant

OreganoNatural pest deterrent that repels aphids and provides ground cover

BorageAttracts beneficial insects and may improve growth and pest resistance

Avoid

FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth of most vegetables including eggplant

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that causes wilt and stunted growth in nightshades

CornCompetes for nutrients and attracts corn earworms 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

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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.

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 Japanese Long Purple?

Similar varieties