I bought a 4 pack of ‘Gretel’ at the local farmer’s market and didn’t realize it until I was about to plant it. I had never had a yen to grow or eat white eggplants but decided to give it a try, and am I ever glad I did! These are fabulous eggplants and The relatively small bushes begin producing clusters of glossy white teardrop shaped fruit in less than 2 months, earlier than any other eggplant plants. The fruits are best harvested when 3-4” long and have tender skins and sweet flesh with few seeds and never have to be peeled or salted even when a larger size is harvested. The small size of the bush makes them good candidates for containers. An All America Selection for 2009.
Days to Harvest: 55 days (depending on warmth).
Planting Date: Start indoors about eight weeks before setting out. Plant in garden when the soil is warm and temperatures are over 70 degrees. Cold temperatures weaken plants.
Spacing: 2’.
Germination: 10-15 days.
Size of Plant: 3’ H x 3’ W.
Size of Fruit: 3-4” long teardrop.
Light: Full sun.
Water: Keep well watered but take care not to over water as root rot may occur.
Soil: Fertile, well drained.
Fertilizer: Side dress with balance fertilizer beginning when flowers appear; do not over fertilize.
Care: Cover with milk jug or other device if unseasonably cold weather or frost threatens; apply mulch of material such as grass clippings or straw to maintain even soil moisture.
Pests and Diseases: May be susceptible to verticillium wilt, flea beetles, and Colorado potato beetles.
Suitable for containers? Yes; use 16” deep container.
Karen Meyers