Indian Purple Long Eggplant · Open-Pollinated · Non-GMO · Origin: Karnataka, South India
Plant Profile
- Botanical Name: Solanum melongena
- Common Names: Eggplant, Brinjal, Baingan, Badanekayi
- Variety: Indian Purple Long
- Pollination: Open-Pollinated
- Fruit Color: Deep Purple, glossy skin
- Fruit Shape: Long, slender, and elongated
- Average Fruit Weight: 80–100 grams
- Average Fruit Length: ~8 inches
- Sun Requirement: Full Sun
- Growing Season: Warm Season
International & Regional Names
- Kannada: Badanekayi
- Telugu: Vankaya
- Hindi: Baingan
- Tamil: Kathirikai
- English: Eggplant / Brinjal / Aubergine
Why Grow Indian Purple Long?
- Open-pollinated variety sourced from Karnataka, South India
- Beautiful deep purple, glossy, slender fruits ~8 inches long
- Convenient 80–100 gram fruit size — easy to slice, chop, and cook
- Best harvested young and tender for superior flavor and texture
- Heat-loving and well suited for summer gardens
- Suitable for garden beds, raised beds, and large containers
- A familiar South Indian-style brinjal you can grow at home
Culinary Uses
- South Indian brinjal curries
- Badanekayi Palya
- Eggplant Fry
- Brinjal Masala
- Sambar
- Stir-fries
- Roasting and Grilling
- Mixed vegetable curries
How to Grow
- Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last expected spring frost
- Sowing Depth: 1/4 inch
- Ideal Germination Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Typical Germination: 7–14 days
- Keep seed-starting medium evenly moist but not waterlogged
- Transplant outdoors only after all frost danger has passed and nights are consistently warm
- Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting
- Plant Spacing: 24–30 inches apart; Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
- Plant in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter
- Maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development
- For containers: one plant per 5-gallon (or larger) container with good drainage in full sun
- Harvest when fruits are ~8 inches long, deep purple, and skin is smooth and glossy
- Cut fruit with clean scissors or pruning shears — regular harvesting encourages continued production
What NOT To Do
- Do not transplant while frost risk remains or temperatures are still cool — eggplant needs consistent warmth
- Do not allow soil to remain excessively dry for extended periods
- Do not harvest fruits after skin turns dull — flavor and texture decline past peak maturity
- Do not pull fruits from the plant — always cut to avoid damaging the stem
Seed Quality Promise
- Open-pollinated — no hybrids, no GMOs
- Each packet contains 50+ seeds (1 Pack), 100+ seeds (2 Pack), or 150+ seeds (3 Pack)
Perfect For
- Home gardeners growing South Indian or Indian-inspired vegetables
- Cooks who love authentic Karnataka, South Indian, or everyday Indian cuisine
- Seed savers preserving open-pollinated varieties
- Summer garden beds, raised beds, and large containers
- Anyone looking to grow a classic Indian-style long brinjal at home