Eggplant Seeds - Petch Siam - Heriloom

Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Other Common Names: Ngai gwa, aubergine, guinea squash, brinjal, beringela, nasubi, or makhua terung.

How to Grow Petch Siam Eggplant

Start seeds indoors 6 weeks prior to the last frost date (or 8 weeks before the expected date of transplant). Keep the soil warm until emergence (80-90°F minimum). Seeds will not germinate in cool or cold soil; planting outside too early can affect plant vitality. Harden off plants before transplanting. Prep the bed just before planting the seedlings with an organic fertilizer; transplant them when the soil temperatures are at or above 75°F. They should be in a very warm and sunny location.

Eggplants require lots of nutrients, so use a balanced fertilizer. Too much nitrogen will produce lots of foliage and a decreased yield. Stake the plants to prevent them from falling over as the fruit matures. Fertilize twice during the summer If you are growing these in a cooler climate, cover the soil with dark plastic to help retain heat. Never allow the soil to dry out.

Harvesting Petch Siam Eggplant

Harvest when striped green, about 2 inches in diameter, and shiny. If the flesh indents with light pressure and then rebounds, it is ripe. Clip the fruit off with 2 inches of stem attached. If the skin is not shiny, it may be past its prime.

Culinary Tips

Petch Siam is delicious in curries and stews and is used throughout Asia. Pickle or cook the small eggplants. Asian eggplants are not as bitter or chewy as most American eggplants; they do not need to be pretreated for bitterness.

Tips From Our Gardeners

“One of the only ways I have enjoyed American eggplant is in eggplant parmesan. In Japan, Asian eggplant varieties are also fried, but in a tempura style and are enjoyed with a ginger soy sauce.”

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Seeds Per Package

• 500 mg packet - Approximately 375 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 21,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 84,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 336,000 Seeds