Slim Jim Eggplant Seeds

Slim Jim is a terrific dwarf aubergine variety from Italy – an award-winning all-rounder in the patio vegetable category. Its dark-purple foliage and clusters of long, slim, purple fruits make it a perfect choice for ornamental and decorative gardens. Aubergines have a somewhat unusual reputation in Italy – historically, it was thought that the whole plant could cause insanity. The name melanzana is derived from mela insana, meaning ‘insane apple’! This lovely thin and firm variety lends itself to many culinary uses – try it pickled with garlic and oregano, roast it gently to make a delicious dip, or grill it and dress with olive oil and parsley.

Solanum melongena, 30 seeds

Plant size: Height 70 cm, Width 45 cm

Container: Height 30 cm, Width 30 cm

Companion plant: Basil, peppers, okra, mints, thyme, catnip.

How to grow: Sowing - Indoor Mar-Apr, Outdoor May-June  Timing - Germination 10-30 days, Harvesting 90-12 0 days  Spacing - Sowing 3-5 cm; Depth 0,5 cm, Transplanting 30-40 cm

Growing: Full sun. Well-drained, moist and fertile soil. Regular watering, even twice a day. Heavy feeder.

Caring: Eggplants are a bit slower to germinate than many other plants. They require a temperature between 25° and 30°C. When the young plant reaches 15 cm in height, cut the top off to encourage branch production and increase future fruit set. To prevent a whitefly attack, grow aubergines with a sacrificial trap crop such as bell pepper to divert pests away from the plant.

Harvesting: Harvest when they are about 10cm long. Don’t leave mature fruits left on the plant as this will decrease further fruit production.

PS1011UK