Renoir Girl's Eggplant 'Black Beauty'
Solanum melongena

From the back of the seed packet: Rich, deep purplish black fruits can grow to enormous size. Tender and tasty at all stages. At maturity, they are broad and blunt at blossom end. Ready to pick about 73 days after setting plants in the garden.

Start indoors about 8-10 weeks before outdoor planting time in a warm, well-lighted area. Sow seed 1/4" deep in seed-starting formula. Keep moist. Seedlings emerge in 10-14 days at 70-80 degrees Farenheit.

Transplant to individual containers when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of leaves. Before transfer to garden, accustom to outdoor conditions by moving to a sheltered area outside for a week. Set plants 24" apart in a sunny, well-drained location with rich, well-worked soil after danger of frost. Fertilize at transplanting time and again after first fruits are set.