In the spring I planted eggplant in a large feed tub because we were going to move. It didn't do well because of the hot dry summer. Every time it bloomed and a little eggplant formed, the grasshoppers ate them. When it got cooler there weren't so many grasshoppers. When they bloomed I took a Q-tip and went and hand pollenated them. Six little eggplants formed and started growing. I kept a close watch on them. When we had a frost last week I went out and picked them. They were just a bit larger than an egg. Tonight I sauted them with some green pepper and onion. I put them in a casserole dish with tomato sauce and a blend of Italian cheese. I baked them until it was hot and the cheese melted. Boy, were they good! I sure wish there were six more but the frost killed the plants. Is there an eggplant type that grows little eggplants or are they all the large type and you need to pick them when they are little? I want some more of them. dooley
Yes there are, Dooley-- The Baby Rosanna F1 Hybrid Solanum molengena Baby Rosanna F1. See here: http://www.tmseeds.com/product/Eggplant ... _Herb_Seed This is Thompson & Morgan Company in the U.S. You can order free catalogue and seeds from here. Also there are the Aubergine : Calliope F1 Hybrid Solanum melongena Calliope F1 and the Aubergine : Pinstripe F1 Hybrid Good luck.
Dooley, I have had great success with both the black Ichiban and with the green Louisiana Long Green eggplants. Neither is round, but more banana shaped and have tender skins. 'Hoppers are a problem for us, too, so I drape eggplant plants with a double section of deer netting. I just lift it to pick. Warning--plant only two or three of the Ichibans or Long Greens, unless all your neighbors just love eggplant!
I can see why you want some more, Dooley -- the recipe sounds delicious. Sounds like all that TLC paid off.
thanks! I will look for the seeds in the spring or after Christmas when we can only look at seed catalogs and drool. I've grown ichiban in Arizona and last year one of the farmers had the green ones and I used them with the peels on them. Not everyone likes eggplant but dr and I do. I like the smaller ones best though. dooley
Look on Ebay for seeds that are for the small ones. There is a white variety that is slightly larger than an egg and similarly shaped. Can`t remember the name though !! Several good seed people there !! I buy from Rons seed store quite a bit and have been pleased !! Thats usually where I look as they are quite reasonable !!
