Eggplant 



405 



ripe. Even after the fruits have reached their full size 

 and color, they may remain on the plant for a time with- 

 out much deterioration, although a very ripe fruit is 

 worthless. A heavier 

 crop may be secured 

 by taking off the fruits 

 before they reach 

 their full size. It is 

 necessary, however, 

 that they be well col- 

 ored in order to find 

 sale in the market, 

 and usually, also, the 

 fruits of fair or rather 

 large size sell best. 

 In the northernmost 

 states the gardener is 

 satisfied if he aver- 

 ages two or three good fruits to a plant of the large va- 

 rieties. 



Eggplants are set in rows that are far enough apart to admit 

 of horse tillage, usually feet. In the rows the plants are 



set from 2-4 feet. The distance is determined largely by the 

 variety. An ounce of eggplant seed should give from 2,000 to 

 3,000 strong plants. 



The New York Improved and the Black Pekin (Fig. 127) are 

 the leading commercial types of eggplant. Good-sized marketable 

 fruits of these varieties are 6-9 inches in diameter. Unless 

 started very early and given a warm place and quick soil, how- 

 ever, these varieties are not likely to yield much before frost in 

 the northernmost states. In these short-season climates, some of 

 the dwarf varieties, particularly the Early Dwarf Purple, are to 

 be advised. The white eggplants are not popular, since the color 



Fig. 127. Black Pekin Eggplant. 



