African Eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum)

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The African Eggplant, also known as Scarlet Eggplant, is a tropical perennial plant native to Africa which is known for its glossy, small fruits. A fast-growing, full-sun loving member of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, it is related to Japanese Lanterns and Bird Pepper

Their white to burnt-orange eggplants can take on an oval egg or pumpkin-like appearance and make for an important staple crop in Africa. Their nutritious young shoots and leaves are often cooked into stews and contain ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, iron and potassium. The African Eggplant fruits are often eaten raw, pickled or cooked. If you want to make an exotic  kabob, these bitter beauties pair well with rich meaty flavors and make for a great conversation piece!

Common Names: 
African Scarlet Eggplant, African eggplant, scarlet eggplant, bitter tomato (En); aubergine africaine, aubergine écarlate, tomate amère, djakattou (Fr); nakati etíope, berenjena escarlata (Sp); 非洲紅茄 (Cn)

Native to:
Africa

Traditional Uses:
Culinary


Plant Type:
Tropical Perennial Plant

Harvest Season:
Year round with a peak in Fall


Mature Size:
3 ft. tall 

 

Soil & Moisture:
Rich, well-draining soil.


Light Requirements:
Full Sun

 

Self-Fertile: 
Yes

 

Growth Rate: 
Fast

 

Zone Hardiness: 
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ 


Propagation:
Our African Eggplant plants are grown from seed

Plant Type:
Perennial Evergreen Shrub

Harvest Season:
Thai Eggplant: Summer-Early Fall
Pea Eggplant: Year-round in Zone 8b+, Summer - Fall if grown as an Annual in cooler zones

Mature Size:
2-8 ft. tall, depending on variety

Soil & Moisture:
Rich, well-draining soil.

Light Requirements:
Full Sun

Self-Fertile: 
Yes

Growth Rate: 
Fast

Zone Hardiness: 
Outdoors 5-12; Patio (requires frost protection)/Greenhouse 4+ , depending on variety 

Pea Eggplant can withstand cold as low as zone 8
Thai Eggplant can withstand cold as low as zone 5

Propagation:
Our pea eggplant is grown from seed and is capable of harvest within one growing season.

Plants Ship
in Plantable Pots

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