Grow your own Black Beauty eggplant with Mr Fothergill’s Seeds. Black Beauty Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is one of the very best varieties, not least because of its dark purple fruit—nearly black, hence the name—which has an outstanding earthy flavour. Its texture is smooth and tender, too, so it can add smoothness to soups or stars all on its own when grilled or roasted. Black Beauty eggplant is perfect for Mediterranean recipes like rich and hearty moussaka or creamy baba ganoush. It is an early and prolific cropper that thrives in sunny, sheltered positions in rich and well-drained soil with added fertiliser. Grow your Black Beauty eggplant seeds with tomato seeds and spinach seeds if you want companion plants that do well in similar conditions. Alternatively, take a look at our complete collection of vegetable seeds for even more to choose from.

How to Sow Seeds

Method: Direct sow
Growing notes: Sow Black Beauty eggplant seeds 6mm (1/4in) deep in a seed tray or punnet filled with a good-quality seed-raising mix or compost. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage germination.

Once seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, transplant them to a sunny spot in well-drained, enriched soil, spacing them 60-75cm (2-2.5ft) apart. They can be sown directly if the soil temperature is warm enough (above 20°C/68°F). Use a short stake to support the plants in windy or exposed areas as they grow. If you grow them in a container, choose a pot at least 30cm (12 inches) in diameter and use a free-draining potting mix. Apply a balanced fertiliser regularly to support flowering and fruiting and water consistently.

Harvest Black Beauty eggplants when the fruits are glossy and firm, cutting them from the plant with sharp scissors or a knife. Regular harvesting encourages further fruit production. Rotate your Black Beauty eggplant seeds in a crop rotation with other plants of the Solanaceae family for best results.

Growing Needs

Water requirement: Moderate

Plant Characteristics

Suitable for small spaces: Yes
Suitable for pots / containers: Yes