Eggplant Little Green [Solanum melongena]

The perennial eggplant 'Little green' is an even lesser-known neon green variety that develops early fruits that are 20cm long and weigh up to 600g. It is cold-tolerant and has a fine, slightly sweet and aromatic taste. Ideal for pre-cultivation, pot culture possible, sowing in spring, good for mixed culture, harvesting the fruits.

 Description 
The 'Little Green' eggplant is a perennial, special old and very early eggplant variety with bright green fruits. This unique variety comes from Russia and has drop-shaped, approx. 20cm long and unusual neon green fruits with a fruit weight of up to 600g. It is cold-tolerant and has an excellent, fine, slightly sweet, mild and aromatic taste. Particularly suitable for growing outdoors and in cooler areas. An unusual addition to the fresh market range.

 General information 
Plant family: Solanaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 130 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep and shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: High
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 20-28 °C
Germination time: 5-10 days
Plant and row spacing: 40x60 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 8-9 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Cabbage, Marigold, Lettuce, Spinach, Bean, Ice plant, Thyme, Radishes
Unfavorable mixed culture: Tomato, Pepper, Pea, Fennel, Potato, Beetroot, Physalis

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Pre-cultivation from January to April is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm and sunny.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Pre-cultivation from March to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be located in a sheltered, warm and sunny location.

 General recommendations 
The best time to sow eggplants is spring because of the long development period. After the seeds have germinated in warm temperatures, the seedlings need cooler temperatures of around 15°C. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in a small bowl and let the seedlings grow to the first visible eggplant leaves, then transplant into the desired container. After transplanting, let the seedlings grow at moderate temperatures until they are planted out as seedlings. Plant the seedlings in the bed after the last frost, from the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Eggplant 'Little green' does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
With this variety, it is recommended to support the branches with large fruit loads. Sufficient and consistent watering has a positive effect on fruit quality. At temperatures below 5°C, the plant reduces its growth. Regular harvesting increases yield. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds and cuttings.

 Plant care 
Loose, nutrient-rich and constantly moist soil is fundamentally important for growth and quality fruit formation. Depending on the condition of the soil, fertilization is recommended after 10 weeks and at intervals of 8 weeks.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Solanum melongena
English names: Eggplant, Aubergine
German names: Aubergine, Melanzani, Eierfrucht, Eierpflanze
Portuguese names: Beringela
Spanish names: Berenjena
French names: Aubergine

 Origin 
Country: Portugal