VegetableEggplant
Little Finger Purple Eggplant
Little Finger Purple Eggplant grows clusters of slender, finger-sized fruits that emerge in groups of three to five, creating an almost hand-like appearance on the plant. Hardy across zones 2-13 and reaching just 18-36 inches tall, this compact cultivar produces mild, sweet eggplants ready to harvest in 60-69 days. You can pick them when they're as small as your finger for tender bites, or let them develop further without losing their gentle flavor. The variety's exceptional productivity and elegant form make it a conversation starter in any garden.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam; Rich Organic Matter
Growth Stats
36 in
Height
Spacing
18
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-13
Size
36in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
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Highlights
The clustered growth habit sets this eggplant apart, with fruits emerging in groups that genuinely resemble purple fingers reaching upward from the plant. Harvest flexibility is built into this variety; whether you want miniature finger-sized eggplants or fuller-bodied fruits, both deliver the same mild sweetness. Its compact stature and vigorous production mean you can grow substantial yields even in smaller spaces or containers, making it surprisingly generous for such a diminutive plant.
Common Uses
Little Finger Purple Eggplant shines in stir-fries and grilled preparations, where its slender form cooks quickly and its mild flavor won't overpower other ingredients. The finger-sized portions are perfect for skewering whole, roasting, or adding to Asian-inspired dishes where delicate eggplant texture is prized.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Eggplants germinate best at soil temperatures between 70-85°F. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until seedlings emerge.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F, ideally 65-70°F. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before planting. Space plants 18 inches apart in rows or beds.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting when fruits reach finger size, typically 60-69 days after transplanting, or allow them to grow larger if you prefer. Cut fruits from the plant using a sharp knife or pruners rather than pulling, as the stems can be brittle. The eggplants develop a glossy purple skin at maturity; harvest while this sheen is still vibrant for best flavor and texture. Regular harvesting encourages continued production throughout the season.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Solanum melongena
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
solanum
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)