Solanum melongena 'Ichiban', Ichiban Eggplant
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Vegetables

Solanum melongena 'Ichiban'

Ichiban Eggplant

SolanaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright
Foliagedeciduous
Height24-36 inches
Width18-24 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5a - 10b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Overview

Solanum melongena 'Ichiban' is a compact, heat-loving annual vegetable that produces long, slender, glossy purple-black fruits. This Japanese eggplant cultivar grows 24-36 inches tall with an upright, bushy habit and large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves that are deep green with prominent veining. The plant develops star-shaped purple flowers with yellow centers that give way to the characteristic narrow, cylindrical fruits that can reach 8-10 inches in length but remain relatively thin at 1-2 inches in diameter. The fruits have a tender skin that doesn't require peeling and creamy white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and few seeds, making Solanum melongena 'Ichiban' particularly prized for Asian cuisine and grilling applications.

Native Range

Solanum melongena is native to Southeast Asia, particularly the regions of India, Myanmar, and southern China, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. The species spread throughout Asia and the Mediterranean before being introduced to other temperate regions worldwide.

Suggested Uses

Solanum melongena 'Ichiban' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers. Excellent for Asian-inspired dishes, grilling, stir-fries, and tempura. The compact size makes it suitable for small-space gardening, and the attractive purple flowers and glossy fruits add ornamental value to edible landscapes.

How to Identify

Solanum melongena 'Ichiban' can be identified by its distinctive long, slender purple-black fruits that are much narrower than traditional globe eggplants. The plant has large, fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves with prominent purple veining on the stems and leaf undersides. Small purple star-shaped flowers with bright yellow centers appear in clusters. The fruits hang downward and have a glossy, smooth skin that ranges from deep purple to nearly black when mature.

Appearance

Bloom Information

mid to late summer, continuously until frost

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

purple with yellow centers

Foliage Description

deep green with purple-tinged stems and veining

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

55-65 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum melongena 'Ichiban' requires warm, fertile, well-draining soil with consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Water deeply but avoid wetting the foliage to prevent disease. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost or additional fertilizer when fruits begin to form. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In cooler climates, use black plastic mulch or row covers to warm the soil. Support may be needed for heavily fruited plants, and regular harvesting encourages continued production.

Pruning

Solanum melongena 'Ichiban' benefits from light pruning to improve air circulation and fruit quality. Remove suckers that grow from the base of the plant and pinch off the first few flowers to encourage stronger root development. In areas with short growing seasons, remove flowers that appear late in the season to redirect energy to existing fruits. Remove any damaged or diseased foliage promptly.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Solanum melongena 'Ichiban' leaves and stems contain solanine and other alkaloids that are toxic if consumed in large quantities. The ripe fruits are safe to eat when cooked, but green, unripe fruits and all other plant parts should not be consumed. Keep away from children and pets.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended, too long growing season for direct sowing

Days to Maturity

55–65 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
peppers
basil
marigolds
nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With

fennel
corn
pole beans
Solanum melongena 'Ichiban' (Ichiban Eggplant) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef