Grown Turkish Orange?

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

Turkish Orange — Aubergines | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Turkish Orange
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

75-85days to harvest

10-21days to germinate

Z9–12USDA zones

Moderatedifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Requires warm soil temperatures above 65°F for transplanting.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: High — consistent moisture needed
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost
Soil pH: 6.2-7.0
Spacing: 18-24 inches
Height: 2-4 feet
Season: Year Round

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Bright orange when ripe, green when immature
Size: 2-3 inches diameter, golf ball sized
Shape: Small, round, globe-shaped
Flavour: Sweet, mild, and creamy with very little bitterness

In the kitchen

Stuffing, grilling whole, roasting, decorative garnish, Mediterranean dishes, unique presentations

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Flea beetles, Colorado potato beetle, aphids, hornworms
Diseases: Verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, bacterial spot, anthracnose
Resistance: Moderate disease resistance, benefits from good air circulation

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 whiteflies while potentially improving eggplant flavor

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

PeppersCompatible nightshades with similar soil and watering needs, can share space efficiently

MarigoldsRepel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects

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

OreganoDeters aphids and spider mites while providing ground cover and pest control

ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control eggplant pests

Hot PeppersNatural pest deterrent that repels various insects while sharing similar care requirements

Avoid

Black WalnutProduces juglone toxin that inhibits nightshade family growth and can kill eggplants

FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that stunt growth and inhibit development of eggplants

BeansDifferent nutrient needs and growth habits can lead to competition and reduced yields for both crops

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 97
Protein (g): 1.5
Fat (g): 0.2
Carbohydrate (g): 25
Fibre (g): 10.6
Vitamin A (µg): 21
Vitamin C (mg): 136
Vitamin E (mg): 0.25
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.176
Folate (µg): 30
Calcium (mg): 161
Iron (mg): 0.8
Magnesium (mg): 22
Phosphorus (mg): 21
Potassium (mg): 212
Zinc (mg): 0.25
Selenium (µg): 1

← PreviousSlim Jim Next →Calliope

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 Turkish Orange?

Similar varieties