Organic Ping Tung Long Eggplant Seeds – Solanum melongena

Organic Ping Tung Long Eggplant Seeds

A cherished heirloom from Taiwan, Ping Tung Long eggplant is named after Ping Tung County, where it has been grown and loved for generations. This prolific variety produces slender, lavender–magenta fruits known for their mild, sweet flavor and tender, thin skin. Unlike many eggplants, Ping Tung Long stays silky and tender even at full maturity.

These versatile fruits are excellent for baking, grilling, pickling, stir-frying, and roasting. We especially love them grilled with a splash of ponzu for a bright, fresh finish. For a firmer texture, lightly roast the eggplant before adding sauces.

The plants are vigorous yet compact, making them ideal for container gardens and small spaces. Each plant can produce eggplants up to 12"  long and as many as 20 fruits per plant. Ping Tung Long thrives in hot weather, offering abundant harvests even in warm climates.  Ping Tung Long eggplants grow quickly in warm weather, so check plants every few days during peak season for the best quality harvest.

Grow this beautiful heirloom for its productivity, adaptability, and unforgettable flavor.

Seed Profile

• Organic

• Heirloom 

• Open-Pollinated

• Non-GMO

• Annual

• Exposure : Full Sun

• Direct Sow: After last frost

• Indoor: 8- 10 weeks before last frost

• Seed Count: 25

• Days to Maturity: 80-90

• Plant Size: 14"

Gardener Tips

Start indoors on a tabletop dome with heated mat and a light.

It is key that your new starts be hardened off.  This is a process that requires taking them outside during the day, for a period of time, before they are planted. This acclimates your seedlings to the outside world, meaning the elements like the wind and sun. We do it for several weeks to a month as this strengthens their stems and overall plant structure. 

• Start for a short period of time initially, then graduate to more time each day
• One week minimum is recommended
• Bring them inside in the early evening and overnight
• Keep an eye on them and constantly water them. Make sure they have not blown over. 

Thin to healthiest seedlings. Thrives in warmer weather. Heavy feeder, amend with compost. Sensitive to nitrogen, excess will cause more foliage and less fruit.

Apply mulch at base. 

Read our blog post on The Power of Mulching

Harvesting Tips

Harvest when fruits are young, glossy, and firm, typically 9"–12" long.

Harvesting at this stage ensures the best flavor and tender texture.

Signs fruit is ready to harvest

• Skin is smooth, shiny, and deep purple.

• Fruit feels firm but slightly springy when gently pressed.

• Seeds inside are still small and immature.

How to harvest

• Use clean sharp garden pruners or a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the plant.

• Leave a short section of stem attached to prevent damage to the fruit.

• Avoid pulling fruit from the plant, which can damage stems and reduce production.

Harvest regularly

• Frequent harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing new fruits.

• If fruits are left too long on the plant, they can become dull in color, seedy, and bitter.

Ping Tung Long eggplants grow quickly in warm weather, so check plants every few days during peak season for the best quality harvest.