Eggplant - Barbarella - $3 pre-order and member price; $4 at plant sale

Barbarella is an authentic Sicilian hybrid eggplant (Solanum melongena) known for its distinctive squat, round shape and deep, glossy purple skin. It is highly regarded by chefs for its creamy, dense white flesh and mild, slightly sweet, nutty flavor that lacks the bitterness of traditional varieties. Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily). Soil: Prefers rich, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Temperature: This is a heat-loving plant. Seeds should be started indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, maintaining soil temperatures of 80–90°F (27–32°C) for germination. Transplanting: Move outdoors only when soil and air temperatures are consistently above 55°F (13°C). Space plants about 18–24 inches apart. Maintenance: Support: Due to its vigorous growth (reaching ~2–3 feet tall), plants typically require staking or cages to support heavy fruit. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; use mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. Feeding: It is a "heavy feeder" and benefits from frequent fertilizing throughout the season. Harvest: Fruits are typically ready 65 days after transplanting. Harvest when they reach 4–6 inches in diameter and the skin is still shiny.