Santana produces extra-large, teardrop-shaped fruit in a rich purple-black color with exceptional quality. This variety thrives with high yields over a long growing season, making it a favorite for consistent harvests. The fruit stem and calyx are nearly spineless, making handling easy and reducing damage to the fruit. With its robust productivity and attractive appearance, Santana is ideal for both home gardens and larger-scale production, delivering beautiful, flavorful eggplants perfect for a variety of culinary uses.
Eggplant Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow eggplant seeds outdoors only in warm climates where the soil temperature remains consistently above 70°F. For most regions, starting seeds indoors is recommended.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Eggplants thrive in warm temperatures and fertile, well-draining soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8–10 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Eggplants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows.
- Space rows 24–36 inches apart for adequate airflow and ease of harvesting.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 18–24 inches apart once they are about 3–4 inches tall.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during flowering and fruit formation.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start eggplant seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, placing 1–2 seeds per cell or pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 75–85°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7–14 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 70°F and plants are 4–6 inches tall with 3–4 true leaves. Space plants 18–24 inches apart in rows.
General Care Tips for Eggplant
- Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Eggplants require warm temperatures to thrive.
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Eggplants are heavy feeders. Enrich the soil with compost before planting and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Be careful not to disturb eggplant’s shallow roots when weeding.
- Supporting Plants: Tall varieties or those with heavy fruit may require staking or caging to prevent the plants from toppling over.
- Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests like flea beetles and aphids. Use row covers to protect young plants and apply organic pest control methods as needed. Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal diseases.
- Harvesting: Harvest eggplants when the fruits are firm and glossy, before the skin becomes dull. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.
