Calliope eggplant is a compact hybrid that delivers small, ornamental white-and-purple variegated fruits in just 64 days from transplant. Hardy across zones 3-11, this F1 hybrid adapts to diverse climates while maintaining a tidy footprint in the garden. The distinctive two-tone striped fruits are not just visually striking; they're also prolific producers that reward regular harvesting with continuous yields throughout the season.
—
Moderate
3-11
?in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
Small white-and-purple striped fruits make Calliope instantly recognizable on the plant, and the compact growth habit means you can tuck it into containers or tight garden spaces without sacrificing productivity. At 64 days to harvest, it's among the faster eggplants to mature, letting gardeners enjoy fresh fruit quickly. The variety rewards consistent harvesting with waves of new blooms, so picking fruits at your preferred size keeps production flowing all season long.
These small, variegated eggplants work beautifully in the kitchen where their diminutive size suits roasting whole, halving for grilling, or slicing thin for layered dishes. The ornamental striping makes them equally appealing on the plate, bringing visual interest to any eggplant preparation from Italian caponata to Asian stir-fries.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your planned transplant date, during early spring. Sow 4 seeds per inch at 1/4 inch depth in seed flats, and maintain soil temperature at 80-90°F until seeds emerge. Once sprouted, reduce temperature to 70°F. After true leaves develop, thin seedlings to 2-3 inches apart in flats, or transplant into 2-3 inch pots or plug trays. Seeds will not germinate in cool soil, so consistent warmth is essential for reliable germination.
Transplant outdoors in late spring or early summer after soil has warmed and frost danger has passed. Before moving plants outside, harden them off by reducing water and lowering temperature to about 60°F for roughly one week. Space transplants 30 inches apart in their final location.
Begin harvesting when fruits reach your preferred size, typically around 64 days after transplanting. Clip the fruit stem with shears rather than pulling by hand to protect the plant from damage. Pick fruits regularly at the size you like, as consistent harvesting encourages the plant to continue flowering and producing new fruit throughout the season.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.