White fruits the size of a hen’s egg – an eggplant that fits in a pot. This early Japanese variety produces an abundance of round, white fruits. Harvest them young, when they are the size of an egg – that is when their flesh is tender and their flavor is reminiscent of mushrooms. The plants grow to 50–100 cm and, according to the producer, also do well in containers on a balcony or terrace.
At a glance
- Growth habit: bushy, 50–100 cm, early variety
- Fruits: round, white, harvested at egg size
- Sowing under cover: March (in a warm room from late February)
- Transplanting: after May 15–20, into a greenhouse, polytunnel, or pot
- Harvest: July–October
- Position: warm, sunny, sheltered
- Difficulty: moderate
- Seeds per packet: 30
What makes this variety special
The white, egg-shaped fruits on the bush look like eggs hanging from branches – this is one of the most ornamental eggplant varieties. Its earliness is a great advantage in the Polish climate: the first fruits can be harvested sooner than those of late, large-fruited varieties, increasing the chances of a successful crop in a shorter growing season.
Because the fruits are harvested small, the plant produces many throughout the season, and regular picking encourages it to set more. This variety is suitable for growing in containers – all you need is a pot with a capacity of at least 10–15 liters, placed in the warmest, sunniest spot.
Growing step by step
Sowing (March, under cover): Sow the seeds in light potting mix in pots or plug trays, about 0.5 cm deep; in a warm room, you can start as early as late February. Eggplant germinates only in warmth – it needs a constant temperature of at least 23–24°C, ideally around 25°C. Seedlings emerge after 10–20 days; if the seeds take a long time to germinate, it is worth raising the temperature slightly.
Pricking out: Transplant seedlings with 3–4 true leaves individually into pots 9–10 cm in diameter, keeping them warm and in a bright spot. Water lightly but regularly, and harden off the seedlings before transplanting them outdoors.
Transplanting (after May 15–20): Plant in a greenhouse or polytunnel after May 15, and outdoors only after May 20 or in early June, once nights are warm. Space plants about 50–60 cm apart. The soil should be well-drained and rich in humus – it is worth adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting. For container growing, plant one per pot and place it in the warmest, sunniest spot.
Care: Water regularly, taking care not to let the soil dry out, and try not to wet the leaves. Removing some side shoots and lower leaves improves light exposure for the fruits and encourages a good harvest. Harvest fruits as they ripen, cutting them off with a sharp knife along with a piece of stem – if left on the plant too long, they become bitter. As a preventive measure, practice crop rotation and ensure good airflow.
Uses
The small fruits are ideal for roasting whole or halved, grilling, stewing, and pickling. Their mushroom-like flavor goes well with Asian dishes and rice dishes. These ornamental plants with white fruits also attract attention in pots on balconies and terraces.
Gardener’s tip
Harvest the fruits while they are still white, glossy, and firm. If left on the plant too long, they start to turn yellow, the skin hardens, and the seeds become noticeable.
About the producer
The seeds come from Semailles – a Belgian artisan producer of organic seeds from the province of Namur in Wallonia. Semailles offers only non-hybrid varieties (no F1), including many traditional and collectible varieties. Some seeds are grown on its own fields, while others are produced in collaboration with organic growers in Belgium and France. All batches are certified organic (inspection code BE-BIO-01).
Specifications
| Latin name | Solanum melongena |
| Variety | Ronde à Œufs |
| Fruit color | white |
| Growth habit | bushy |
| Height | 50–100 cm |
| Position | sunny and warm, preferably under cover |
| Seasonality | annual plant, sensitive to frost |
| Sowing time | March under cover (in a warm place from late February) |
| Transplanting time | after May 15–20, preferably into a greenhouse or polytunnel |
| Harvest time | July–October |
| Spacing | 50–60 cm |
| Packet contents | 30 seeds |
| Organic growing | BIO-certified seeds (inspection code BE-BIO-01) |
| Producer | Semailles (Belgium) |
| EAN code | 5415166003751 |