Scarlet Eggplant, Mock Tomato Mini Pumpkins, Japanese Golden Eggs 'Ruffled Red'

This plant gives a lovely front border to a front yard vegetable garden (the only place I have sun) but now I want to eat it! Does anyone...Read More have recipes or know how the orientals use this in cooking?

15 years ago in Phoenix, AZ I planted seed from a dried flower arrangement. Most seedlings died (damping off?). One plant thrived and o...Read Moreverwintered. No fruit set until late summer of the second year, but then the plant went crazy! It grew large, heavily branched and set fruit till christmas. It grew well outdoors in a clay pot year round and lived atleast three years as I recall. No problems with disease and minor infestations with green aphis. Potting soil was mixed 1:1 with native fine sand. Pot was about 2 quart size. Light fertilizing with 5:10:5 liquid fertilizer every time I watered.

From your friends at Botanical Interests: This 3' tall ornamental eggplant is often called, "Pumpkin on a Stick". Its purple star-shaped ...Read Moreflowers are followed by 2" wide miniature fruits that look like tiny pumpkins!. In the U.S., it is mostly used ornamentally, because the cut branches with fruit intact look amazing in cut flower arrangements for fall or Halloween display. But, it is also an edible heirloom eggplant with a somewhat bitter taste that is used in Asian cooking. Also called, Red China or Scarlet Chinese Eggplant. Fruits will begin to ripen in about 60-75 days after transplanting seedlings outdoors.

I have not grown this eggplant; am adding this for information only.

Originally introduced as an ornamental in the 19th ce...Read Morentury. Referred to as miniature pumpkins by florists. An abundance of 2" fruits are borne in clusters on 20" plants. Fruits are bitter, but used extensively in Asian cuisine. 65-75 days from transplant.