Black Shine is a Japanese hybrid eggplant that delivers exceptional fruit quality in just 60 to 69 days after transplanting. Long, glossy black fruits grow over 8 inches and weigh more than 8 ounces, with tender, sweet flesh that stands apart from many open-pollinated varieties. This extra-early prolific producer thrives in greenhouses, containers, and open fields across hardiness zones 2 through 13, reaching a compact 30 to 36 inches tall at maturity. With a 50-percent agreement among sources on days to maturity, expect harvest timelines ranging from 50 to 89 days depending on growing conditions, though the most reliable data points to 60 to 69 days.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-13
36in H x ?in W
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High
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Black Shine produces heavy yields of unusually large, heavy fruit for a hybrid eggplant, with fruits regularly exceeding 8 ounces and reaching over 8 inches in length. The skin carries that distinctive glossy black finish characteristic of Japanese hybrids, topped with a purple calyx that catches the light. Tender, sweet, high-quality flesh makes these fruits superior for cooking, and the plant's compact 30 to 36-inch height means it performs equally well in containers on a patio or in wide-open field rows. Early maturity, often within 60 to 65 days after transplanting, means you're harvesting prime fruit when other varieties are still setting buds.
Black Shine eggplant is ideal for any preparation that benefits from tender, sweet flesh and a sleek, uniform fruit shape. The long, thin form lends itself well to grilling whole, stir-frying, or slicing lengthwise for layering in dishes like eggplant parmesan. The mild, sweet character and thin skin make these fruits excellent for Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisines where quick cooking methods highlight the vegetable's natural tenderness. Home cooks appreciate the consistent fruit size and lack of bitterness, making Black Shine reliable for weeknight cooking.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Keep soil temperature between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable germination. Seedlings need bright light and consistent moisture; transplant into individual pots once true leaves appear. Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting.
Transplant seedlings into the garden after your last frost date, when soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (ideally 70 degrees or warmer). Space plants 18 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart. The catalogs emphasize transplanting as the standard method, with maturity measured from transplant date. Plant in a location with full sun exposure and wind protection if possible.
Harvest Black Shine eggplants when fruits reach 8 inches or longer and display the signature glossy black skin with a slight give when gently pressed. The purple calyx at the stem end should still be firm and fresh-looking. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut fruit from the stem rather than pulling, to avoid damaging the plant. Begin harvesting around 60 to 69 days after transplanting, and continue picking regularly to encourage more flowering and fruit set throughout the season.
With its compact bush habit and controlled height of 30 to 36 inches, Black Shine requires minimal pruning. Remove any lower leaves once flowering begins to improve air circulation and reduce fungal disease risk. Pinching out the growing tip when plants reach 12 inches tall encourages branching and denser fruit production, though this step is optional for good yields.
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