Top 20 Varieties of Aubergine (Eggplant) to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Aubergines, also known as eggplants, are a popular warm-season vegetable loved for their versatility in cooking. From grilling and roasting to adding them to curries and stir-fries, aubergines bring a rich, slightly smoky flavor to dishes. With so many varieties, ranging from the classic large purple types to smaller, striped, and white varieties, you’ll find an aubergine for every culinary need. Here’s your guide to the top 20 aubergine varieties to grow, with helpful tips, advice, and fascinating facts about growing this delicious vegetable. You’ll also find common questions answered at the end to help you get the most out of your aubergine crop.

Top 20 Aubergine Varieties to Grow

1. Black Beauty

Tips: Black Beauty thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors and transplant once the weather warms.
Facts: This classic variety produces large, glossy, deep purple fruits with a rich, meaty flavor. It’s ideal for grilling, baking, or frying.

2. Ping Tung Long

Tips: Plant Ping Tung Long in full sun and fertile soil. Water consistently and stake the plants to support the long fruits.
Facts: Known for its slender, 12-16 inch long purple fruits, this Asian variety is tender with a mild flavor, perfect for stir-fries and grilling.

3. Rosa Bianca

Tips: Rosa Bianca prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting outside.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety has round, white and lavender fruits with a creamy, mild flavor and smooth texture. It’s perfect for roasting or stuffing.

4. Fairy Tale

Tips: Fairy Tale grows best in full sun and warm conditions. Provide regular watering and harvest when fruits are small.
Facts: This compact variety produces small, striped purple and white fruits that are tender and sweet. It’s ideal for grilling or sautéing.

5. Listada de Gandia

Tips: Listada de Gandia thrives in full sun and rich soil. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: A striking heirloom variety, Listada de Gandia has purple-and-white striped fruits with a sweet, mild flavor, perfect for roasting or adding to Mediterranean dishes.

6. Thai Long Green

Tips: Thai Long Green prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Plant in warm weather and water regularly.
Facts: This variety produces long, slender, green fruits with a slightly sweet, delicate flavor. It’s commonly used in Thai curries and stir-fries.

7. Nadia

Tips: Nadia grows best in full sun and fertile soil. Stake the plants to support the large fruits and water consistently.
Facts: This variety produces classic, large, glossy black-purple fruits with a rich flavor and tender texture, ideal for grilling, frying, or roasting.

8. Patio Baby

Tips: Patio Baby grows well in containers in full sun. Water regularly and ensure the soil is well-drained.
Facts: This small, compact variety is perfect for container gardening. It produces miniature, tender fruits that are ideal for roasting or grilling.

9. Violetta di Firenze

Tips: Plant Violetta di Firenze in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to prevent bitterness in the fruit.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces large, round fruits with light purple skin and a delicate, mild flavor. It’s great for slicing and grilling.

10. Kermit

Tips: Kermit thrives in full sun and fertile soil. Provide regular watering and harvest when the fruits are small for the best flavor.
Facts: This Thai variety produces small, round green fruits with white stripes. It’s ideal for curries and stir-fries, with a slightly bitter flavor when mature.

11. Orient Express

Tips: Orient Express grows well in warm, sunny conditions. Stake the plants and water consistently to prevent the fruits from becoming bitter.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces long, slender, dark purple fruits with a mild flavor, perfect for stir-fries, grilling, or roasting.

12. Little Fingers

Tips: Little Fingers thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly and harvest the small fruits frequently.
Facts: This dwarf variety produces clusters of small, slender fruits that are tender and sweet, perfect for grilling or sautéing.

13. Tango

Tips: Tango prefers full sun and warm conditions. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
Facts: This unique white-skinned variety produces tender, creamy-textured fruits with a mild flavor. It’s perfect for roasting or baking.

14. Antigua

Tips: Antigua thrives in full sun and rich soil. Water consistently and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Facts: This gourmet variety features long, purple-and-white striped fruits with a sweet, tender flavor, ideal for grilling or frying.

15. White Star

Tips: White Star grows best in full sun and fertile soil. Water regularly to keep the fruits tender and prevent bitterness.
Facts: This variety produces glossy white fruits with a mild, creamy flavor. It’s perfect for grilling, baking, or stuffing.

16. Black Stem Aubergine

Tips: Black Stem grows well in full sun and warm, well-drained soil. Plant in a sunny spot and water consistently for the best results.
Facts: Known for its sturdy black stems and large, dark purple fruits, this variety has a rich, full flavor, ideal for Mediterranean and Asian dishes.

17. Japanese White Egg

Tips: Japanese White Egg thrives in full sun and rich soil. Water consistently and harvest when fruits are small and tender.
Facts: This small, egg-shaped variety produces pure white fruits with a mild flavor, perfect for fresh salads, grilling, or roasting.

18. Purple Blaze

Tips: Purple Blaze grows well in warm conditions with plenty of sunlight. Water regularly to encourage tender, flavorful fruits.
Facts: This variety has deep purple fruits with a sweet, mild flavor and tender texture, making it great for grilling or stuffing.

19. Casper

Tips: Casper prefers full sun and warm weather. Water consistently and mulch to help retain soil moisture.
Facts: Casper is a white-skinned variety with smooth, tender fruits that have a mild, delicate flavor. It’s perfect for grilling or roasting.

20. Green Knight

Tips: Green Knight grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently and stake the plants to support the fruits.
Facts: This unique variety produces deep green fruits with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s ideal for curries, stir-fries, or roasting.

Common Questions About Growing Aubergines

Q: When should I plant aubergines?
A: Aubergines are a warm-season crop and should be planted after the last frost when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting outdoors in late spring or early summer.

Q: Can I grow aubergines in containers?
A: Yes, aubergines grow well in containers as long as the pots are at least 12-14 inches deep with good drainage. Compact varieties like ‘Patio Baby’ and ‘Little Fingers’ are especially suited for container gardening.

Q: How long do aubergines take to grow?
A: Aubergines typically take 70-85 days to mature from transplanting, depending on the variety. Early varieties may mature slightly faster, while larger varieties may take longer to reach full size.

Q: How do I know when to harvest aubergines?
A: Aubergines are ready to harvest when the fruits are glossy and firm to the touch, but before the skin becomes dull and the seeds harden. For best flavor, harvest the fruits when they are still slightly immature.

Q: How do I store harvested aubergines?
A: Freshly harvested aubergines can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Do not wash them before storing to avoid excess moisture, and keep them in a perforated plastic bag to maintain freshness.