1 / 4
Solanum melongena 'Black Beauty'
Black Beauty Eggplant
India / SE Asia (S. melongena; Black Beauty Burpee 1902; standard globe; glossy deep purple-black; most heat-demanding; American heirloom)Overview
Solanum melongena 'Black Beauty' is a warm-season annual reaching 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall with a spread of 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) and an upright, bushy habit. An American heirloom introduced in 1902 by W. Atlee Burpee & Company, it produces large, oval to globe-shaped fruits 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter weighing 1-3 pounds (0.5-1.4 kg) with glossy, deep purple-black skin and firm, cream-white flesh. The standard globe eggplant and one of the earliest named eggplant cultivars in the US. Days to maturity 70-80 from transplant. Growth rate is moderate. Warm-season—requires sustained heat and full sun. Large, fuzzy, grey-green leaves with purple-tinged stems and star-shaped purple flowers with yellow stamens. Harvest when skin is glossy—dull skin indicates overmaturity and bitter seeds.
Native Range
Solanum melongena originated in India and Southeast Asia. 'Black Beauty' was introduced by W. Atlee Burpee & Company in 1902.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—grilling, roasting, moussaka, eggplant parmesan, baba ganoush, ratatouille. Standard globe eggplant. Glossy deep purple-black. 1-3 lb. Firm cream-white flesh. American heirloom 1902 Burpee. 70-80 days. Most heat-demanding vegetable. Dull skin = overripe bitter seeds. Not suitable for cool-summer climates without season extension.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 2'6"
Width/Spread2' - 2'6"
Bloom Information
Star-shaped, lavender-purple flowers 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) with prominent yellow stamens from midsummer through fall. Self-pollinating but pollinator visits increase fruit set. Each flower can produce one fruit.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender-purple; star-shaped with yellow stamens; 1.5-2 inchesFoliage Description
Grey-green; large fuzzy; purple-tinged stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Start seed indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant after all frost danger when soil is warm 65-70°F (18-21°C). Full sun, rich, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Heavy feeder. Consistent moisture. Most heat-demanding common vegetable—growth stalls below 60°F (16°C). Days to maturity 70-80 from transplant. Support heavy fruit-laden branches. Harvest when skin is glossy and firm—press with thumb, skin springs back.Pruning
Remove suckers below first fork for stronger main stems. Stake or cage to support heavy fruits. Remove lower leaves for air circulation.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons