Packet of 100 seeds.

55 days. AAS Winner for 2008. New, compact eggplant produces tender, non-bitter fruits that from true miniature sizes (2 to 3 inches in length), all the way to larger sizes (6 to 10 inches in length). The stunning, glossy, dark-purple fruit have few seeds and are borne in finger-like clusters. Compact and productive plants fit well into smaller garden spaces. Approx. 6,000 seeds/oz. An AAS Winner, Hansel Hybrid eggplant seeds are egg shaped and can grow to be anywhere between two and ten inches long. The non-GMO Hansel Hybrid reaches maturity in just fifty five days and is suitable for grow zones five to twelve. This variety does best in moist soil and full sun.

Growing Hansel Hybrid Eggplant Garden Seeds

• Latin Name: Solanum melongena
• Other Names:
• Days to Maturity: 50-60 days
• Hardiness Zone: 5-12
• Planting Depth: 1"
• Plant Spacing: 18"
• Row Spacing: 4'
• Growth Habit: Upright
• Soil Preference: Moist, 50-55 degrees
• Temp Preference: Warmer
• Light Preference: Full Sun
• Diseases/pests: Susceptible to corn wireworms, cutworms, and fungal diseases
• Color:Dark Purple
• Flavor:Mildly bitter

Eggplant seeds can be sown indoors and transplanted outdoors when they are at least six inches tall and the weather has warmed to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. To begin, poke a hole half an inch deep in each pot or tray that you are using, and sow two seeds in each. Lightly cover the seeds and place the pots or trays by a window with full sunlight. Eggplant needs moist soil to thrive, so keep the soil watered. Once you see two sets of leaves sprouting up, thin them out by cutting the weaker of the two down to soil level.

After transplanting outdoors, you should water the Hansel Hybrid eggplants every day to keep the soil moist. Since the crops can become heavy, it can be helpful to use a post, pole, or other support. When the globes are glossy, you can harvest them by snipping them off the vine.

Additional information about eggplants from UC Davis: http://vric.ucdavis.edu/pdf/eggplant.pdf