Rosa Bianca Eggplant

Seed Count: Approx. 15 Seeds Days to Maturity: 75-80 Days from transplant Description:  This beautiful Italian heirloom eggplant is light pink-lavender color with white shading.  The fruit are large, around 6-8 ounces, round and 5-6 inches long.  It is rich, with mild, non-bitter flesh that is very popular among chefs.  It is also  pretty drought tolerant.  Rosa Bianca is a great variety for heirloom market growers and home gardeners alike. Mint2Grow Tip: I find that while this variety resists most pests, it doesn't resist white flies and aphids.  I also find that this variety isn't as prolific of a producer as the black beauty, but the flavor is better, and its meatiness makes this eggplant perfect for eggplant Parmesan.   How To Grow Sowing:  Places with long growing seasons can direct sow their seeds when the soil reaches 70 degrees F.  However, for short growing seasons, it’s best to start seeds indoors. About 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost, plant the seeds in pots 1/4" deep. Keep them in a sunny window or under a grow light, maintaining a temperature of around 80 degrees. Germination of eggplants can be spotty, and may take several weeks. Keep the seedlings moist, and provide organic matter for the best development. When the average air and soil temp. reach 70 degrees, or about 3 weeks after the last frost, plant seedlings in well drained soil in full sun; for fullest growth, allow each plant 2-3' in all directions. Eggplants also grow very well in containers. Growing:  Eggplants thrive in the full heat of  the summer; row covers, black plastic, or other methods to conserve heat may be necessary in some climates. If temperatures threaten to fall below 55 degrees F, cover the plants.  Keep the soil evenly moist, and apply fertilizer or organic matter once monthly.  I use a mixture of fox farm big bloom and fish emulsion every month to get loads of flower and fruit development.  Keep in mind that aphids, hornworms, and white fly can be big pests to this plant. Harvesting:  When the skin of an eggplant begins to take on a high gloss, it is nearly ripe. To test for ripeness, press gently on the skin; if the flesh remains indented, it is ready to be harvested. Eggplant reach their best eating quality at about 1/2 their mature size, since over-sized eggplant can turn tough and bitter. For freshest taste, use immediately. If necessary, eggplant can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the seeds inside begin to turn brown, this indicates that your eggplant is overripe.