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Japanese Long — Aubergines | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Japanese Long
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

70-80days to harvest

10-21days to germinate

Z9–12USDA zones

Easy to Moderatedifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

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

Cultivation

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

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Deep purple to black
Size: 10-12 inches long, 8-12 oz
Shape: Long, slender, cylindrical
Flavour: Sweet, mild, and tender with no bitterness

In the kitchen

Perfect for stir-fries, tempura, grilling, Asian dishes, and quick sautéing. No peeling required.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Flea beetles, aphids, spider mites, thrips
Diseases: Verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt
Resistance: Good resistance to common fungal 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

TomatoesShare similar growing requirements and pest management strategies as nightshade family members

PeppersCompatible nightshades that benefit from similar soil conditions and watering schedules

MarigoldsRepel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects

NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and flea beetles, drawing pests away from eggplant

OreganoDeters pests like aphids and spider mites with its strong aromatic compounds

Hot PeppersNatural pest deterrent that repels many insects harmful to eggplant

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

Avoid

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that severely stunts or kills nightshade family plants

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most vegetables including eggplant

CornCreates excessive shade and competes for nutrients, reducing eggplant fruit production

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

← PreviousBlack Beauty Next →Ichiban

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.

Japanese Long

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?

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