Eggplant enthusiasts like myself can attest to its ease of cultivation and culinary versatility. However, it’s only natural to want to explore beyond the classic globe eggplant, which I’ve always been fond of. In reality, there’s a plethora of other eggplant varieties waiting to be discovered. For instance, graffiti, fairy tales, Chinese, and Italian eggplants are just a few examples. If you’re keen on experimenting with new garden delights, growing Italian eggplant is an absolute must-try.
With its numerous popular varieties, it’s no wonder why this option has garnered so much attention.
What is Italian Eggplant?
While globe eggplants are the most commonly found variety in grocery stores, they’re by no means the only option. Italian eggplants, although less prevalent, can be used to create a wide range of popular dishes. These varieties come in many shapes, styles, and forms, with late, midseason, and early harvest options available. Furthermore, Italian eggplants are known for their diverse color palette, with skin tones ranging from white to purple, black, or even multicolored.
The flesh of these vegetables, regardless of the variety, typically has a creamy white hue and is renowned for its rich, nutty flavor. All varieties of eggplant, including Italian eggplant, boast impressive nutritional profiles, featuring flavonoids like anthocyanin, which has been shown to have potential blood pressure-lowering effects. Additionally, Italian eggplants are rich in essential nutrients such as fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
Best Italian Eggplant Varieties
Looking to spice up your garden with some exciting new seed additions? Why not try one (or two, or three!) of these trendy Italian eggplant varieties? They’re sure to bring a burst of flavor and fun to your outdoor space.
Galene
Galene, an Italian eggplant variety, stands out for its remarkable productivity. The plant produces abundant harvests of glossy, uniformly colored fruits that range in color from black to deep purple and can reach lengths of up to 7 inches. This high-yielding variety is particularly well-suited for gardeners with shorter growing seasons, making it an excellent choice for those who want a bountiful eggplant crop despite the time constraints.
Nadia
When considering alternatives to Galene, ‘Nadia’ is an excellent option worth exploring. This traditional black Italian eggplant variety produces fruits that can reach up to 8 inches in length, making it a slightly larger choice than Galene. Notably, Nadia has the advantage of being able to set fruit even when the weather is cool, making it a great selection for northern gardeners looking to grow their own eggplants year-round.
Jaylo
For greenhouse enthusiasts, ‘Jaylo’ stands out as an exceptional Italian eggplant cultivar. This variety boasts impressive yields and robust growth, allowing it to thrive throughout a lengthy growing season. What’s more, its versatile fruit can be harvested at different stages – whether that’s as small, quarter-pound eggplants or larger, half-pound varieties.
Dancer
For those seeking to add some visual flair to their eggplant garden, ‘Dancer’ is an excellent choice. This variety produces semi-cylindrical fruits that can grow up to 8 inches in length and 4 inches wide, offering a unique combination of size and color. The most striking feature, however, is the fruit’s deep pink hue, a departure from the traditional dark purple eggplant.
Moreover, ‘Dancer’ eggplants are known for their mild flavor, free from bitterness, making them an excellent addition to any dish.
Beatrice
While ‘Beatrice’ eggplants may not boast the same majestic height as some other Italian varieties, they more than make up for it with their unique flavor profile, shape, and texture. Standing at approximately 5 inches in length and 4 inches in width, these compact beauties exude a deep, dark purple hue that’s sure to captivate your senses.
Traviata
While ‘Traviata’ may resemble the standard American eggplant you’re familiar with from supermarkets, it’s a game-changer in terms of its exceptional flavor and stunning appearance. Measuring around 6-inches long and 3-inches wide, this variety boasts an alluring sheen that’s hard to ignore. But what truly sets ‘Traviata’ apart is its ability to produce uniform fruits on high-yielding plants – making it a top choice for growers seeking maximum yields.
Clara
The ‘Clara’ eggplant variety stands out due to its ease of germination from seed and impressive yields. However, the most distinctive feature is its unique fruit color – a ghostly white instead of the typical purple hue. These fruits measure approximately 5 inches in length and 4 inches in diameter, making them a striking addition to any garden. As the plants mature early in the season, they’re well-suited for farmer’s markets and home gardeners alike.
One drawback is that the thin skin of the ‘Clara’ eggplant makes it more susceptible to bruising or disease, requiring careful handling and maintenance.
Paloma
The ‘Paloma’ eggplant boasts a stunning white appearance, characterized by its prominent ribbing, creamy texture, and delectable sweetness. Notably, it also has a slightly shorter and squatter shape compared to the ‘Clara’ variety, although it’s more productive in terms of yield.
Aretussa
When it comes to white eggplant varieties, another standout option is this particular cultivar. Its impressive yields are notable, with dozens of 8-inch fruits growing on robust plants. While staking is still recommended to prevent damage from heavy harvests, this variety’s sturdy stems can handle the weight without issue in many cases.
As with other white eggplant varieties, bruising is a potential concern.
However, for most gardeners, this should be a minor problem rather than a major issue.
Nubia
While ‘Nubia’ might not be the ideal choice for northern gardeners due to its late-season variety, those willing to wait or start seedlings indoors may find it a worthwhile cultivation option. This Italian eggplant variety, often referred to as Dominican eggplant, boasts striking purple and white variegation on its fruits, which can grow up to 8 inches in length and 4 inches in width.
Barbarella
The ‘Barbarella’ eggplant boasts a distinctive dark purple hue, accompanied by a striking white halo surrounding the calyx. Its compact fruits, measuring around six inches in diameter and nearly perfectly round due to their squat shape, make them a standout feature of this variety. Not only does ‘Barbarella’ deliver exceptional flavor, but it also provides abundant yields, making it an excellent choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers seeking high-quality produce.
Angela
For greenhouse cultivation, this Italian eggplant variety excels. Its adaptability allows for harvesting at various stages, but optimal flavors are achieved when the fruit reaches around half a pound in size. A notable characteristic is its reduced spine and impressive yields, producing glossy, dark purple fruits with white stripes that stand out amidst other plants in your garden.
Like ‘Nubia’, this variety is sometimes referred to as Dominican eggplant, making it a unique addition to your outdoor space.
Rosa Bianca
Rosa Bianca, an Italian eggplant variety, boasts a unique appearance with its purple and white striped skin, plump shape, and prominent ribs. When sliced open, the flesh reveals itself to be white, mild, and creamy in texture. While it may not be the most suitable choice for growers in northern climates due to its preference for warm nights and days, this variety is definitely worth considering for those who can provide the ideal conditions.
Growing Italian Eggplant
While Italian eggplant varieties share some similarities with other types of eggplants, there are specific conditions and care tips to ensure a bountiful harvest. In many ways, growing Italian eggplants is comparable to cultivating peppers and tomatoes, as they require similar conditions. To boost fruit production, pinch off growing points to direct the plant’s energy towards producing more fruits. This technique can result in an impressive yield of over a dozen fruits per plant.
When planting seedlings, wait until the soil has warmed up, or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. If you live in an area with a long growing season, you can also direct sow seeds outdoors. However, for most gardeners, starting seeds indoors is the recommended approach. Italian eggplants can thrive in containers, making them a great option for small gardens or patios.
Regardless of the method, ensure your plants receive full sun and are planted in rich, fertile soil. Consistent moisture levels are crucial, but avoid overwatering by keeping the soil slightly dry between waterings. Fertilize regularly with a high potassium fertilizer once fruits appear. To keep your plants upright as they produce fruit, consider staking them to prevent flopping.
Most Italian eggplant varieties take around 70 days to mature, although this timeframe may vary depending on the specific variety. Consult your seed packet or observe the fruit’s ripeness by pressing it gently with your finger – ripe Italian eggplants will no longer bounce back. Once you’ve harvested your bounty, get creative in the kitchen and explore the many delicious eggplant recipes available.
With proper care and attention, you’ll be enjoying a plentiful harvest of tender and flavorful Italian eggplant in no time.
