Introduction to the New Round Eggplant Variety Barbarella, Plus Growing Techniques and Care
Like other garden fruits and vegetables, hundreds of different eggplants are grown in gardens. If you like trying new eggplant varieties, you may be interested in growing Barbarella eggplant. What is Barbarella eggplant? Continue reading for more information about the eggplant 'Barbarella' variety and see whether this vegetable is right for you.
Barbarella Eggplant InformationEggplant 'Barbarella' is a type of eggplant that is also sold as Violetta di Sicilia. This variety originated in Italy. Barbarella eggplant produces five to six medium-sized, one-pound fruits on plants about 24 inches (61 cm) tall. These fruits have dark purple skin with white to light pink tones that outline the dark purple, slightly spiny calyx. The fruits are round, like a grapefruit or softball, with deep grooves, and have creamy white flesh.
This plant produces eggplants 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter with an excellent sweet, slightly nutty flavor. It can be roasted, sauteed or stir-fried, and used in classic eggplant dishes such as eggplant parmesan. Barbarella is also ideal for whole roasted or hollowed-out eggplant dishes. Eggplant is rich in dietary fiber. It benefits heart health and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Eggplant skin also has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, eggplant has a short storage life and is best used fresh or stored in a cool, dry place for a few days. When stored in the refrigerator, eggplant quickly develops brown, water-soaked lesions. Growing Barbarella EggplantEggplant is very sensitive to cold and frost. Their seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your location. If it is too cold, the seeds will not germinate either. When growing Barbarella eggplant from seed, you may need to use a seedling heat mat.
Do not put eggplant plants outdoors before spring temperatures have stabilized, and be sure to harden off the seedlings before planting them. Plant Barbarella eggplant plants in full sun, in infertile, well-drained soil. Planting eggplant extends the season. Eggplant 'Barbarella' matures in about 80-100 days. Harvest the fruits when they are about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter. It is also important to note that eggplant belongs to the nightshade family and is susceptible to all the diseases of other nightshade plants, such as tomatoes. For all nightshades, rotating with plants that do not belong to the nightshade family is the best defense against disease.
