Eggplant 'Black Beauty' (Solanum melongena) – Offered by Ferme Tourne-Sol
The 'Black Beauty' eggplant is a classic and productive variety, prized for its large, smooth, shiny, deep purple fruits . Its firm, tasty flesh, with little bitterness, makes it an ideal eggplant for grilling, ratatouille, curries and parmigianas . Vigorous and easy to grow, it offers an abundant harvest and excellent cooking properties .
Type : Vegetable-fruit
Plant habit : Bushy and vigorous
Spread : 50 to 70 cm
Plant height : 70 to 90 cm
Quantity per pack : 50 seeds
Maturity : 75 to 85 days
Companion plants : Basil, pepper, bean, marigold
Enemy plants : Potato, fennel
Cultivation method
Eggplant 'Black Beauty' likes heat and sun , requiring rich, well-drained soil amended with compost . Start seedlings indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost , then transplant into the ground when night temperatures are above 12°C . Space plants 50-60cm apart in rows 80cm apart. A good mulch helps retain moisture and prevent weeds. Stake plants to support the weight of the fruit and promote good aeration by removing lower leaves.
✅ How to encourage good production?
✅ Lightly prune the plant by removing secondary shoots to concentrate energy on the fruits.
✅ Remove the first flowers if the plant is still too small to stimulate better production later.
✅ Harvest regularly when fruits reach 12-15 cm , still firm and shiny, to encourage new fruits.
✅ Avoid overwatering : Water deeply but moderately to prevent disease and promote dense flesh.
Use and benefits
The 'Black Beauty' eggplant is ideal for stewed, grilled, stuffed or mashed dishes . Its flesh absorbs flavors perfectly, making it a must-have in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine . Rich in fiber, antioxidants and B vitamins , it contributes to a healthy and balanced diet .
Thanks to its high productivity, refined taste and easy cultivation , the 'Black Beauty' eggplant is a classic vegetable garden not to be missed .
