Hybrid eggplant 'Purple Shine F1'

'Purple Shine' eggplant (Solanum melongena), offered by the seed company WH Perron

The 'Purple Shine' eggplant is an Italian-type annual variety, prized for its long, slender, glossy purple fruits with sweet, pleasant, and seedless flesh. This characteristic makes it particularly enjoyable in the kitchen, both as a side dish and in classic Mediterranean recipes. The plant is upright, vigorous, and well-structured , offering consistent production when warm conditions allow.

Reliable and flavorful, 'Purple Shine' is ideal for gardeners who want an easy-to-prepare eggplant with a clean taste and uniform texture. It stands out for its relatively quick maturation and excellent culinary quality.

Latin name: Solanum melongena
Maturity: Annual
Maturity after transplantation: Approximately 65 days
Fruit shape: Elongated
Fruit dimensions: Approximately 30 cm x 4 cm
Fruit color: Purple
Quantity per packet: Approximately 20 seeds
Formulation: Untreated
Uses: Everyday cooking, stews, grilling

Companion plants: Borage, tarragon, beans, parsley, peas, thyme
Nefarious plants: Okra, potato, tomato

Farming method

The 'Purple Shine' eggplant is grown like a tomato . Sow indoors 8 to 12 weeks before the last spring frost , in a warm environment. Germination usually occurs after about 3 weeks , at a temperature around 24°C (75°F) . Transplant the seedlings 6 to 8 weeks later into individual pots to encourage good root development.

In May, gradually harden off the seedlings by reducing the temperature and exposing them to the outdoors progressively, without ever letting the temperature drop below 15°C . Plant them in the garden in June, when the soil is thoroughly warmed, in rich, deep, and warm soil .

Growing tips

Space the plants approximately 60 cm apart in rows 80 cm apart to ensure good air circulation. To encourage branching and increase production, prune the main stem after the fifth leaf ; this will promote the growth of fruit-bearing side shoots.
When the flowers appear, keep 8 to 9 flowers per plant to prevent exhaustion, resulting in larger, more tender, and more flavorful fruit. Remove any suckers that may form at the base of the plant to concentrate energy on fruiting.

Regular watering, without excess, is essential, especially in hot weather, to maintain consistent growth.

Harvesting and uses

Harvest the fruit before the internal seeds develop , when the skin is smooth, shiny, and firm to the touch. At this stage, the flesh is at its sweetest and the flavor is at its best. Elegant, flavorful, and well-balanced , the 'Purple Shine' eggplant is an excellent choice for enriching your vegetable garden and kitchen with a reliable and enjoyable variety to grow.