Eggplant 'Diamond'

Solanum melongena

• Early, prolific heirloom eggplant.
• Glossy dark purple 15–20cm fruit.
• Creamy texture with outstanding non-bitter flavour.
• Excellent performance in cooler summer conditions.
• Long valued by market growers for consistency and reliability.

'Diamond' is a dependable heirloom eggplant that consistently produces attractive, glossy dark purple fruit 15–20cm long with a creamy texture and exceptional non-bitter flavour. It is one of the earliest and most productive open-pollinated eggplants we have grown.

We have trialled many eggplant varieties over the years searching for an early, prolific and flavoursome open-pollinated variety. In our on-farm trials, 'Diamond' matched the yields of two hybrid varieties while producing early crops of beautiful fruit under open-field conditions.

Long valued by market growers - in Australia as well as North America and Europe -  for its consistency and exceptional adaptation to cooler climates, 'Diamond' continues to perform reliably when summer conditions are less than ideal. It is an outstanding choice for gardeners and growers seeking dependable harvests without sacrificing flavour.

The seed for our strain traces back to Ukraine, where it was collected in 1993 by Kent Whealy, co-founder of Seed Savers Exchange.

Certified Demeter Biodynamic and Certified Organic

SEED COUNT: 20, 100 approx.
Germination: 88% Lot#17201 MAY 2026

Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information

TRANSPLANT (recommended) - Sow seed indoors during early spring, or 6-8 weeks prior to planting outdoors. Sow 4 seeds/2.5cm, 6mm deep, and maintain soil temperature at 27-32°C until emergence and 21°C thereafter. Seed will not germinate in cool soil.

After true leaves form, transplant into 5-8cm pots or soil blocks. To harden plants, reduce water and temperature to about 16°C for about a week before planting out.

Transplant outdoors late spring or early summer once the weather has thoroughly settled. Eggplants are tender, and cold weather may weaken them.