Asian Heirloom. The Pingtung Long Eggplant is an open-pollinated oriental eggplant variety, imported from Taiwan. Fruits are elongated and slender, averaging 10 long and 1 1/2 to 2 across with a lovely, lavender-purple colored skin and white interior flesh. Bred to be resistant to many diseases, as well as tolerant to wet and hot conditions. The Pingtung Long Eggplant is a good yielder with fruit weighing about 1/2 lb. each.

30 seeds

PLANTING

Solanum melongena

Germination:5-14 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 75-90F. Cooler soil temperatures increase germination time.

Seed Sowing Depth: deep

Starting Indoors:8-10 weeks before last frost. Sow in flats/cells/pots. Provide 75-90Fsoil temperatures. Fertilize the seedlings every 7-10 days with a liquid or water soluble fertilizer (diluted to of suggested measurement). Transplant seedlings 18-24 apart after last frost.

How much does a packet plant:25-30 foot single row

Harvest:When fruit is shiny and smooth, before losing its luster. Use a sharp instrument to cut the eggplants from the plant. Pick the first fruits when they reach usable size, this helps accelerate the growth of the othereggplants on the plant.

Tips:The Pingtung Long Eggplant should be planted in fertile soil, and amended with compost if needed. It helps to use row cover early in the season, giving the plants extra warmth, especially in the north. Side dress when flowers begin to form.