The Orient Express eggplant is an early-bearing varietal that produces a ton of slender fruit, and is considered the most reliable Asian eggplant varietal. Fruits are 8 to 10 inches long by about 1 to 3 inches in diameter and are highly tolerant to heat and cold. This varietal may take longer to germinate, but when it does, it produces high yields. In terms of flavor, this eggplant is tender and easy to cook in a skillet, and goes great in stews.

Days to maturity

• 58 days

Sun Exposure

• full sun

Soil pH

• 5.1 to 8.5

Hardiness Zones

• zones 3 to 9

Spacing

• plants: 18 inches
• rows: 36 inches

Moisture

• 1 inch per week

Sow Indoors

• 10 weeks before last frost

Transplant Outdoors

• two to three weeks after last frost
• once soil is consistently 55 degrees F
• harden by reducing water and temperature to 60 degrees F for one week before transplanting
• use row covers for best success, to keep soil warm, and remove once plants blossom

Notes

• prefers moist, well-drained soil
• mulch can help eggplants keep warm and boost growth
• needs stakes and/or eggplant cages
• clipping fruits encourages more production

Have you ever grown Orient Express eggplants? Please tell us about your experiences.