{"product_id":"eggplant-red-ruffle-1798","title":"Eggplant Red Ruffle 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\u003eRed Ruffle is an unusual and highly ornamental Eggplant producing small, rounded and distinctly ribbed fruits approximately 5 cm across. Also known as Hmong Red, the fruits begin green before ripening through orange to a brilliant red, giving the plants an almost tomato-like appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruits are traditionally used in Asian cooking and are particularly suited to stir-fries, curries and other cooked dishes. They are best harvested while relatively young, as fully mature fruits can develop a stronger, more bitter flavour. Their deeply ruffled shape and vivid colouring also make mature fruits popular for decorative displays and flower arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis unusual eggplant type has Asian origins, with its ancestry associated with India and later development in Spain from around the 16th century. Its striking appearance reflects the enormous diversity found within eggplants, which have been selected for centuries for everything from flavour and texture to shape and colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants grow under similar conditions to tomatoes but require a longer period of sustained warmth to produce well. In warm, frost-free climates Eggplants can be maintained as short-lived perennials, while in cooler regions they are generally grown as annuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed count: approximately 200–250 seeds\/g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 20 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 summer\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: Start indoors in late winter to early 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 and can be started indoors up to eight weeks before conditions are suitable for planting outside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore transplanting, gradually harden seedlings over approximately one week by reducing additional heat and increasing their exposure to outdoor conditions and sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpace plants approximately 50–60 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest regularly while fruits are young and tender for culinary use, before they develop excessive bitterness. Allow fruits to mature to their brilliant red colour when grown for ornamental use or seed saving. Frequent harvesting encourages plants to continue flowering and producing.\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":46649660571866,"sku":null,"price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/download_4f02ebe3-a0a8-419b-b1e8-32cfe9f907df.jpg?v=1754016937","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/eggplant-red-ruffle-1798","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}