The eggplant was long cultivated in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East before it's introduction to Europe in the mid-1500s'. Thomas Jefferson first planted eggplant at Monticello in 1809. The Listada de Gandia Eggplant is an heirloom from Southern France that was introduced in 1850. Its attractive fruits are white with bright purple stripes. When ripe, the 7-inch long fruits have thin skin and sweet and tender flesh.Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost date, transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then transplant outdoors 2-3 weeks after last frost. Eggplants require daytime temperatures above 65 degrees F and fertile, well-drained soil. Approximately 35 seeds per packet.
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