How to Grow LSU Purple Eggplant
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LSU Purple Eggplant
Solanum melongena 'LSU Purple'
vegetableLSU Purple is a high-yielding eggplant variety developed by Louisiana State University, known for its glossy deep purple skin and elongated fruit shape. It produces abundant, tender eggplants with minimal seeds and excellent flavor, making it ideal for both home gardeners and commercial growers. This variety is prized for its disease resistance and productivity in hot, humid climates.
When should you plant LSU Purple Eggplant in your zone?
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Example LSU Purple Eggplant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant LSU Purple Eggplant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest LSU Purple Eggplant
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact LSU Purple Eggplant dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; performs exceptionally well in warm, humid southern regions
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Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves; tender and fragile
Maintain 70-80°F soil temperature. Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Thin to strongest seedlings.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksRapid stem and leaf growth; plant develops bushy structure with multiple branches
Transplant outdoors after last frost when soil reaches 60°F. Space 18 inches apart. Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. Begin fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Flowering
3-4 weeksPurple or white flowers appear at leaf axils; flowers are self-fertile
Maintain consistent watering; fluctuating moisture causes flower drop. Continue regular fertilizing, switching to higher phosphorus formula to encourage fruit set. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
Fruiting
4-6 weeks to harvest-readySmall green fruits develop and rapidly enlarge, darkening to glossy deep purple color
Provide consistent deep watering (1-2 inches weekly). Support heavy fruit clusters with stakes or cages to prevent breaking. Continue fertilizing every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Harvest
6-12 weeks of continuous harvestingFruits reach glossy deep purple color, 6-8 inches long; skin is firm and unblemished
Harvest regularly every 3-4 days to encourage continued production. Use sharp pruners or knife to cut stems. Continue watering and fertilizing for successive harvests throughout growing season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers until flowering. Apply neem oil or spinosad. Plant trap crops of nasturtium nearby.
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Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray with water to dislodge. Use miticides or neem oil if severe.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap. Introduce parasitic wasps.
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LSU Purple has good resistance, but avoid overhead watering. Remove infected plants. Rotate crops annually.
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Ensure good air circulation. Remove infected leaves promptly. Avoid overhead irrigation; water at base.
Uses
Roasting, grilling, and stir-frying
CulinaryLSU Purple eggplants are excellent for roasting whole, grilling, stir-frying, and making baba ganoush. Their tender flesh and minimal seeds make them ideal for dishes where you want creamy texture without bitterness. [source]
Italian and Mediterranean cuisine
CulinaryPerfect for eggplant parmesan, ratatouille, caponata, and other classic Mediterranean dishes. The mild flavor and tender texture integrate well into complex sauce-based preparations. [source]
Nutritional and antioxidant benefits
MedicinalEggplants contain nasunin, an anthocyanin with antioxidant properties found in their purple skin. Also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support heart health and blood sugar regulation. [source]
Food preservation and storage
HouseholdLSU Purple eggplants can be roasted and frozen, pickled, or sun-dried for long-term storage. Their firm texture makes them suitable for various preservation methods. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeEggplant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Growing LSU Purple supports pollinator populations in the garden ecosystem. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when fruits are glossy deep purple, 6-8 inches long, and skin yields slightly to firm pressure. Use sharp pruners or a knife to cut the woody stem. Harvest every 3-4 days during peak production to encourage more flowering and fruiting. Morning harvest yields highest quality. Wear gloves if plant has prickly sepals. Can be harvested slightly before full ripeness and will continue to darken after picking.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 LSU Purple was specifically bred by Louisiana State University for superior performance in hot, humid southern climates, making it particularly well-suited to zones 8-11.
- 🌱 Eggplant flowers are naturally self-fertile and contain both male and female reproductive structures, so a single plant can produce abundant fruit without cross-pollination.
- 🌱 The deep purple pigment in LSU Purple eggplants is due to anthocyanin compounds, the same antioxidants found in blueberries and red wine.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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