African Eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum)
Regular price $18.95The 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.
