Italian Violetta Lunga Eggplant, Heirloom, Organic

Renee's Garden - Early bearing and prolific Italian favorite whose elongated dark purple fruits are almost seedless with flesh that is especially mild, nutty flavored, and sweet. Wonderful grilled, baked, or sautéed. 

Characteristics: 

Instructions - In early spring, start indoors about 2 months before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C) range. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist and warm and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant them into deeper individual containers. Maintain at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until the weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 2 feet apart into rich soil in full sun. Prepare the soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots and mulch well. Fertilize plants regularly, at least monthly, throughout the growing season. Pick when fruits have sized up and are firm-fleshed and glossy. 

• Sow Seeds Indoors: February-March 
  
• Days to Germinate: 7-14 days 
• Transplant Outdoors: April-June 
• Full sun 
• Mature Height: 2-2.5 feet 
• Transplant to Harvest: 70 days 

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