White Eggplant
Casper Eggplant is a stunning heirloom variety that produces smooth, ivory-white fruits with a delicate mushroom-like flavor and creamy texture. This prolific Japanese variety matures in just 75 days, bearing medium-sized, slender fruits that are soft and small-seeded. The plants stay compact and reach full productivity in warm conditions (75-95°F), making Casper an excellent choice for gardeners seeking something visually striking and culinarily distinctive.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
?in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
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The smooth ivory-white skin is almost ghostly in appearance, ripening early and losing its glossy sheen when ready to harvest. Inside lies silky, creamy flesh with minimal seeds and a gentle mushroom-like flavor that shines in stir-fries and Italian dishes. The prolific, compact growth habit means even small gardens and containers can produce an abundant harvest in under three months.
Casper Eggplant excels in stir-fries and Italian preparations where its soft, creamy texture and subtle mushroom flavor can shine without being overpowered. The slender, tender fruits cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, making them ideal for Asian cuisines. Its mild character also suits it well for sautéing, grilling, or incorporating into more delicate sauces where bold eggplant flavor might overwhelm other ingredients.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in warm, moist soil and expect germination in 10-15 days. Maintain soil temperature around 75-80°F for reliable sprouting. Keep seedlings in bright light and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Transplant seedlings outdoors once all frost danger has passed and daytime soil temperature reaches at least 70°F. Harden off plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Space plants 18 inches apart in their final location and water gently after transplanting to minimize transplant shock.
Harvest Casper eggplants when they reach medium size (approximately 5-8 inches long) and the skin loses its glossy sheen, becoming slightly soft to the touch. At full maturity around 75 days from transplanting, the fruits will feel slightly yielding when gently pressed but should not be mushy. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut fruits from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering and fruiting throughout the season.
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“Casper Eggplant originates from Japan, where it was developed as a distinct white eggplant variety. Its long preservation as a heirloom reflects the value Japanese gardening traditions place on unusual colors and delicate flavors. The variety has since been championed by heirloom seed companies and specialty growers, allowing home gardeners to access this rare cultivar and keep its genetics alive.”