Slim Jim Eggplant - Seeds

Slim Jim Eggplant - Seeds

$5.80
$5.80
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Slim Jim Eggplant - Seeds
  • Slim Jim Eggplant - Seeds
  • Slim Jim Eggplant - Seeds
Slim Jim Eggplant - Seeds

Slim Jim Eggplant - Seeds

$5.80
$5.80

Minimum 50 seeds per packet.

Postage included. Bundle to save. Raised from heirloom seed at Turtledove Farm.

Solanum melongena (nightshade)

An ornamental Italian heirloom that earns its place in the garden bed and the pot. Dwarf plants (40–70cm) carry purple stems, purple foliage, and pale purple flowers — striking enough to plant for looks alone. Clusters of long, slender purple fruits (12–18cm) yield up to 2.4kg per plant. Mild flavour and fine texture suit slicing and dicing into ratatouille. Excellent for grilling, roasting, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.

Days to harvest85-95 days
Fruit size12–18cm slender
Sowing depth5mm
Germination7–14 days at 24–32 °C
Spacing50–60cm apart
AspectFull sun, rich well-drained soil
Frost toleranceFrost sensitive — needs reliably warm nights
LifecyclePerennial in frost-free areas; grown as an annual elsewhere
Container suitableYes

Growing notes

Choose a full-sun spot with shelter from cold winds. Slim Jim's compact size suits both garden beds and large pots (30L or more).

Soil preparation: Enrich soil with aged compost or well-rotted manure; maintain a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Support: Light staking helps once fruit clusters develop, even on dwarf plants — the stems can bend under heavy yields.

Watering & feeding: Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist; feed with a balanced fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during the growing season. Avoid letting pots dry out.

Harvest: Pick fruit when 12–18cm long, glossy, and firm. Overripe fruit loses shine and develops dark seeds. Cut with secateurs, leaving a short stem attached.

Timing: Expect first harvest around 13 weeks from transplant. Picking regularly extends production.

Short season tips

Best started indoors on heat mats — eggplants need 24–32 °C heat to germinate. Sow 6–8 weeks before the last frost or purchase as 6–8-week-old seedlings. Transplant into the garden when soil temperature has reliably warmed to at least 15°C (ideally 18°C or above) to avoid plant stalling. Slim Jim's dwarf habit and earlier maturity make it one of the better aubergines for cool inland climates — even when grown in a large pot brought into a sunroom for the first few weeks.

Origin

Italian heirloom developed for compact growing — bred to give the productivity of a full-sized aubergine in a plant small enough for a courtyard or balcony. The ornamental purple foliage and flowers reflect the Italian tradition of edible plants that earn their place in formal kitchen gardens.

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