Rosa Bianca Eggplant Seeds

Named after the Italian words for ‘’white rose,’’ the Rosa Bianca eggplants are as beautiful as they are delicious. Originally from the sun-drenched island of Sicily, this heirloom dates back to the 1600s, so it has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Brought to the U.S. by Italian immigrants in the early 1800s, it has survived the test of time thanks to its easy cultivation and superior flavour.

In the garden, Rosa Bianca is a standout plant, not only for its delicious fruits, but also for its ornamental value. This Italian heirloom is characterized by its bushy growth habit, often reaching up to 2-3 feet in height. The fruits are large, round and slightly flattened, with a characteristic spongy texture that's perfect for absorbing flavours. Renowned for its creamy, mild, sweet taste, the Rosa Bianca eggplants lack the bitterness often associated with other eggplant varieties.

Rosa Bianca eggplant is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of Mediterranean dishes, such as ratatouille, eggplant parmigiana or caponata. Rosa Bianca will reward you with a bountiful harvest of unique, flavourful eggplants that are as delightful in the kitchen as they are in the garden.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Eggplant is a warm weather crop of the nightshade family. These plants will bear delicious and beautifully coloured fruits when given attention and an abundance of heat and sun.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Use flats and plant 4 seeds per 2 cm, 1 cm deep. Germination will not occur in cool soil. Keep temperatures from 27-32°C until seeds sprout and then maintain at least 21°C for optimal growth.

When true leaves appear, thin to 5-8 cm apart or transplant into pots. Harden off gently, cold weather may weaken the young plants. The ideal daytime temperature is 27-32 degrees. At night, the temperature shouldn’t drop below 10°C, or it may compromise production.

Grow your eggplant in the sunniest possible site. Soil should be well drained, an addition of compost in the spring will improve fertility. Transplant when the danger of frost has passed and temperature is consistently warm. In the garden, plant seedlings 45 cm apart, in rows 75-90 cm apart.

Water well and apply mulch after transplanting. Stake plants as they grow and develop heavy fruit. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Fertilizer should be applied a couple times throughout this phase.

Expect at least 100 days until maturity when starting from seed. It’s a long season, but eggplant should be abundant by this time. Using a pair of hand pruners, remove fruit by cutting the stem close to the main stalk. Be wary of the spines. Continually harvest small eggplants to promote production. Use care when harvesting, the skin and flesh bruise easily when ripe.

QUICK FACTS

- Eggplants have been cultivated in Asia since prehistory, where they continue to grow wild today. Eggplants were grown throughout the Mediterranean area since the middle ages.

- Good at absorbing cooking fats and sauces, eggplants are an excellent meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian cuisines.

- Eggplants can be pruned and staked like tomato plants.

- Eggplant seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.