Eggplant Seeds - Ao Daimaru - Hybrid

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Other Common Names: Aubergine, ai qwa, badanjan, baingan, baingun, bangai, bangain, bhanta, brinjal, chan che zu, ca tim, chieh tse, Japanese round eggplant, mackhera, makhua terung, ma khuea yaao, hon pee choi, nasubi, ngai kwa, qie zi, talong, terong, terung, wam batu.

How to Grow Ao Daimaru Eggplant

Germinate the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting them outdoors. The soil should be at or above 80°F during germination. Planting out early in the spring can negatively affect plant vigor. Transplant outside about two weeks after the danger of frost has passed. Harden off the sprouts before transplanting to avoid shock. Work fertilizer or compost into the soil and ensure the ground temperature is at least 75°F before planting.

Stay away from fertilizers that are mostly nitrogen; if the nitrogen levels are too high, it will encourage more foliage than fruit. Stake the plants as they grow to support the developing fruit. Fertilize twice a month with a small handful of low-intensity fertilizer or fully matured compost. Cover the ground with black plastic if growing in a cooler region to retain soil heat; this also deters weeds. Water the soil regularly to prevent dryness.

Harvesting Ao Daimaru Eggplant

Harvest when plump, about the size of a baseball, and shiny. Check an eggplant for maturity by gently depressing the skin; if the flesh indents and rebounds, it is ready to be picked. If the skin has lost its shine, it may be over-ripe. Cut the fruit off just above the calyx.

Culinary Tips

Flesh is dense and creamy when cooked and has a rich flavor. Use Ao Daimarus for grilling, stuffing, baking, and pickling; it is delicious when coated, baked, or fried with miso.

Tips From Our Gardeners

“In my opinion, Ao Daimaru is perfect for umami-focused dishes. The texture is like no other eggplant on the market!”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Seeds Per Package

• 500 mg packet - Approximately 112 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 6,250 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 25,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 100,000 Seeds