{"product_id":"eggplant-early-long-purple-396","title":"Eggplant Early Long Purple Seeds","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSolanum melongena\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly Long Purple is a historic heirloom Eggplant producing attractive elongated fruits reaching approximately 25 cm long and 8 cm wide. The smooth, glossy skin develops a rich dark purple colour, surrounding tender flesh with a classic eggplant flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn old variety documented as early as 1857, Early Long Purple represents the slender-fruited eggplants that were widely grown before the large, rounded supermarket types became dominant. Its relatively early maturity makes it particularly useful for gardeners wanting a reliable harvest without an exceptionally long growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tender fruits are wonderfully versatile in the kitchen and can be grilled, roasted, fried or baked, sliced into curries and stir-fries or used in dishes such as ratatouille, parmigiana and moussaka. Harvesting while the skin is still glossy and the seeds are immature gives the best flavour and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants thrive in warm weather and full sun, preferring fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter. Consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development encourages good yields and tender fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 80 seeds per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant (Australia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropics: Most of the year, avoiding the coolest period\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: Late winter to summer\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: Spring to early summer\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: Start indoors in late winter to spring and transplant after all danger of frost\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist. Eggplant germinates best with soil temperatures around 24–30°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransplant seedlings once the weather and soil have warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Space plants approximately 50–60 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater consistently during flowering and fruit development. Harvest fruits while the skin is dark purple, smooth and glossy and the flesh remains tender. Cut fruits from the plant with secateurs rather than pulling them from the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity: approximately 70–78 days.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDue to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eden Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Packet","offer_id":46375832387802,"sku":"prefix_681c1f717efc28.97941636","price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5g","offer_id":46375832420570,"sku":"prefix_681c1f717efca2.78179258","price":6.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20g","offer_id":46375832453338,"sku":"prefix_681c1f717efcd9.90351408","price":19.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":46375832486106,"sku":"prefix_681c1f717efd00.68784274","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/V_Eggplant_EarlyLongPurple2.jpg?v=1785802606","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/eggplant-early-long-purple-396","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}