Dwarf Eggplant
Little Prince Eggplant lives up to its name with a remarkably compact growth habit that rarely exceeds 24 inches tall, making it one of the most container-friendly eggplants you can grow. This cultivar reaches harvest in just 65 days, delivering glossy, firm-fleshed fruits that maintain their vibrant appearance when picked at peak ripeness. Its diminutive stature and prolific production make it surprisingly productive for the space it occupies, thriving in full sun and spaced just 8 inches apart.
Full Sun
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?-?
24in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
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The real draw here is the combination of extreme compactness and speed to harvest. You'll have productive plants in 65 days with fruits that stay glossy and firm-fleshed when harvested regularly. The 24-inch mature height means Little Prince thrives in containers, tight garden spaces, and even on patios, where it continues producing handy-sized eggplants throughout the season without sprawling or demanding constant pruning.
Little Prince eggplants are sized perfectly for halving and cooking whole, or slicing into thick pieces for sautéing with garlic. Their manageable fruit size makes them ideal for individual portions and Mediterranean preparations where you want eggplant to be the star rather than a supporting ingredient.
Start seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before night temperatures reach 55°F (13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in seed starting mix. Keep soil moist and maintain temperatures between 80-85°F (27-29°C) with strong light. When seedlings reach 2 inches tall, transplant them into 4-inch pots and maintain temperatures at 70-75°F (21-24°C), feeding with half-strength fertilizer every two weeks.
Transplant only when nights are securely above 55°F (13°C). Use robust seedlings with well-developed roots. Space plants 8 inches apart and mulch well. Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before final planting.
Pick fruits when they are glossy and firm-fleshed, before the skin becomes dull. Harvest frequently from productive plants to encourage continued flowering and fruiting throughout the season.
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