Grown Japanese Purple Pickling?

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Japanese Purple Pickling — Aubergines

65-75days to harvest

7-14days to germinate

Z9–12USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant after soil temperature reaches 60°F and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: High — consistent moisture needed
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-6.8
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 2-4 feet
Season: Year Round

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Deep glossy purple
Size: 4-6 inches long, 1-2 inches wide
Shape: Slender, cylindrical, slightly curved
Flavour: Mild, sweet, tender with no bitterness

In the kitchen

Stir-frying, tempura, grilling, pickling, Asian dishes, quick sautés

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Flea beetles, aphids, spider mites, Colorado potato beetle
Diseases: Verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, early blight, mosaic virus
Resistance: Good general disease tolerance, moderate resistance to 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

MarigoldsRepel nematodes, whiteflies, and other harmful insects through natural compounds

PeppersShare similar growing requirements and don't compete for resources

TomatoesCompatible nightshade family members with similar soil and care needs

NasturtiumsAct as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles while repelling squash bugs

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

Hot PeppersNatural pest deterrent and shares similar growing conditions

CatnipRepels ants, aphids, and flea beetles more effectively than many commercial repellents

Avoid

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

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most vegetables

BrassicasCompete for nutrients and may stunt eggplant growth through root competition

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 Purple Pickling?

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