Calliope Eggplant

Calliope produces small, oval shaped fruit, with a similar pattern on the skin as fairy tale eggplants, purple with white stripes. It's spinless, prolific and compact. They have a smooth, glossy skin and are often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Calliope eggplants are high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins B and C, and are a great addition to a healthy diet.

Days to Maturity: 85

Seeds per pack: 20

• Choose a location: Calliope eggplant requires full sunlight and warm temperatures to grow. Choose a location in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

• Prepare the soil: Calliope eggplant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or aged manure to your garden bed before planting to improve the soil's fertility.

• Plant seeds: Calliope eggplant can be grown from seeds, which can be planted directly in the garden bed in early spring or indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. When planting outdoors, space the seeds or seedlings 2-3 feet apart to allow for proper growth.

• Provide proper care: Calliope eggplant requires consistent moisture, so keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.

• Harvest the eggplants: Calliope eggplants are ready to harvest when they are firm, shiny, and fully mature. Cut the fruit from the plant using a sharp knife or scissors, being careful not to damage the plant or neighboring fruits. If you wait too long to harvest, the eggplants may become tough and bitter.