Solanum melongena 'Rosa Bianca', Rosa Bianca Eggplant
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Vegetables

Solanum melongena 'Rosa Bianca'

Rosa Bianca Eggplant

SolanaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typevegetable
Habitupright
Foliagedeciduous
Height24-30 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 'Rosa Bianca' is a distinctive Italian heirloom eggplant cultivar prized for its unique coloration and exceptional flavor. This warm-season vegetable produces medium-sized, teardrop-shaped fruits that display a stunning gradient from creamy white at the blossom end to pale lavender-pink at the stem end, creating an almost rose-like blush that gives the variety its name. The fruits typically measure 4-6 inches in length and have tender, creamy flesh with fewer seeds than many standard varieties. The plants form sturdy, upright bushes with typical solanaceous characteristics including broad, fuzzy green leaves and small purple flowers that give way to the ornamental fruits. Solanum melongena 'Rosa Bianca' is considered one of the most beautiful eggplant varieties, combining ornamental appeal with culinary excellence.

Native Range

Solanum melongena is native to South and Southeast Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent and southern China, where wild relatives still exist today. The species was domesticated thousands of years ago and spread through trade routes to the Mediterranean region, where cultivars like 'Rosa Bianca' were developed in Italy.

Suggested Uses

Solanum melongena 'Rosa Bianca' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers. The attractive bicolored fruits make it suitable for ornamental vegetable gardens where beauty and function combine. Excellent for Italian cuisine, grilling, and Mediterranean dishes. The tender flesh and mild flavor make it particularly good for stuffing, roasting, and in ratatouille.

How to Identify

Solanum melongena 'Rosa Bianca' can be identified by its distinctive bicolored fruits that transition from creamy white to pale lavender-pink, creating a rose-like blush pattern. The fruits are teardrop or oval-shaped, typically 4-6 inches long, and hang from sturdy stems. Plants display the characteristic solanaceous features including broad, fuzzy green leaves, purple star-shaped flowers, and upright growth habit reaching 24-30 inches tall. The unique coloration and Italian heritage distinguish this cultivar from other eggplant varieties.

Appearance

Bloom Information

summer

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

purple

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

75-90 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum melongena 'Rosa Bianca' requires warm growing conditions and consistent care for optimal fruit production. Plant in full sun in well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost. Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during fruit development, but avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress with compost or organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Support plants with stakes or cages as they mature and begin producing fruit, as the branches can become heavy with multiple eggplants.

Pruning

Prune Solanum melongena 'Rosa Bianca' by pinching off the first few flowers to encourage stronger plant establishment before fruit production begins. Remove any suckers that develop in leaf joints and prune lower leaves that touch the ground to improve air circulation. Late in the season, pinch growing tips to redirect energy into ripening existing fruits. Remove any damaged or diseased foliage promptly.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Solanum melongena 'Rosa Bianca' fruits are edible when cooked, but raw eggplant contains solanine and should not be consumed raw in large quantities. The leaves, stems, and flowers contain higher levels of solanine and should not be eaten. Generally safe for humans when the fruits are properly cooked, but may cause digestive upset in some individuals if consumed raw.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended - start indoors

Days to Maturity

75–90 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
peppers
basil
marigolds
nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With

fennel
pole beans
cucumber
Solanum melongena 'Rosa Bianca' (Rosa Bianca Eggplant) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef