Eggplant Solanum melongena 'Bonica'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

The Solanum melongena 'Bonica', commonly known as eggplant, exhibits a striking appearance characteristic of its species. This particular variety has a bushy structure with broad, spade-shaped leaves that are green in color, sometimes displaying a subtle hint of purple stemming from the main veins that traverse them. The foliage provides a lush backdrop for the striking fruit, which is the highlight of the plant. The eggplants themselves boast a glossy skin with a deep purple hue that may appear almost black. They assume a classic shape, typically oblong and plump, with a smooth curvature that narrows towards the base and culminates in a green calyx. Their size can be substantial, giving the plant a heavy, laden appearance when laden with fruit. Flowers emerge before the fruit, adding to the plant's ornate qualities. These blooms are delicate and star-shaped, with a subdued purple color and prominent yellow stamens that create a contrasting focal point. Overall, the combination of lush foliage, vibrant flowers, and distinctive purple fruit gives the eggplant 'Bonica' an attractive and robust presence in any garden or cultivation space.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Solanaceae
- Synonyms
  Eggplant, Aubergine, Brinjal, Guinea Squash, Garden Egg, Melongene
- Common names
  Solanum esculentum, Solanum ovigerum, Solanum trongum, Solanum edule, Solanum insanum, Solanum undatum, Solanum incanum, Solanum album, Solanum insanum var. ovigerum, Solanum melongena var. esculentum.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Eggplant, particularly the Solanum melongena 'Bonica', is not typically toxic to humans when ripe and cooked. However, like other members of the nightshade family, the leaves and flowers can contain solanine, a toxic alkaloid. Ingesting large quantities of raw leaves or flowers can lead to solanine poisoning. Symptoms of solanine poisoning might include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Severe cases may involve rapid heartbeat, hypothermia, and in extreme cases, even death. Cooking typically reduces the alkaloid levels in eggplants, making them safe to eat.
- To pets
  Eggplant, including the variety known as 'Bonica', is not highly toxic to pets, but it can potentially cause problems if ingested in large amounts. The leaves and flowers contain solanine, just as with other nightshades, which can be poisonous to pets like dogs and cats if consumed in large quantities. Symptoms that may arise include gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, confusion, and, in severe cases, central nervous system depression. It is advisable to keep pets away from the plant to avoid any potential issues.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Purple
- Height
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5-12
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Nutritional Value: Eggplant is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.
- Low in Calories: Eggplants are low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
- Versatility in Cooking: Eggplants can be prepared in various ways, such as grilled, roasted, or stir-fried, allowing for diverse culinary uses.
- High in Antioxidants: Eggplants contain antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Heart Health: Some studies suggest that eggplants may have benefits for heart health due to their antioxidants and fiber content.
- Soil Health: As a crop, eggplants can contribute to maintaining good soil health when rotated properly in agricultural practices.
- Pollinator Attraction: Eggplant flowers can attract bees and other pollinators that are important for the ecosystem.
- Community Value: Eggplant is a staple in many cultural dishes around the world, fostering culinary diversity and community traditions.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Ink Production: The deep purple color of the eggplant can be used as a natural dye to create ink for art or writing purposes.
- Cosmetic Colorant: The pigments from eggplant may be extracted and utilized as a colorant in cosmetic products like lipsticks and eyeshadows.
- Fabric dye: Similarly, to inks, eggplant can be used to dye fabrics, especially for those seeking non-synthetic dye options.
- Agricultural Mulch: Chopped or shredded eggplant remains can be used as mulch in gardens to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Natural Pest Repellant: Some gardeners use eggplant leaves as a natural deterrent for certain insects in the garden due to its foliage's distinctive odor and texture.
- Photography: The juice of an eggplant can be used in alternative photography processes, such as anthotypes, to create plant-based photographs.
- Composting Material: Eggplant scraps can contribute to a nutrient-rich compost pile that helps improve soil quality over time.
- Water Filtration: Research has suggested that eggplant peels can be used as an adsorbent material for removing heavy metals and dyes from wastewater.
- Decorative Carvings: In some countries, eggplants are skillfully carved into decorative patterns and used as temporary art pieces at events.
- Artistic Medium: The unique texture and shape of eggplant slices can be used in stamping techniques for artistic pattern-making.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Eggplant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Eggplant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Prosperity: The eggplant, the common name for Solanum melongena 'Bonica', is often considered a symbol of prosperity and abundance in some cultures due to its hearty nature and the large amount of fruit it produces.
- Fertility: The eggplant's capacity to grow rapidly and bear many seeds can represent fertility and the potential for new growth.
- Wealth: Its rich, dark purple color can symbolize wealth and royalty, reflecting a sense of luxury and opulence.
- Longevity: In some traditions, the eggplant is associated with longevity, possibly because it is a perennial plant in tropical areas, thus it can live and produce for several years.

💧

Every 2-3 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Eggplants, such as the 'Bonica', typically need to be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil moisture levels. The goal is to maintain consistent moisture, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. It's best to apply water directly to the soil around the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. In terms of quantity, aim for about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant each time you water, ensuring that the soil is moistened to a depth of at least 6 inches.
Light
Eggplants, including the 'Bonica', thrive best in full sunlight. This means they should be placed in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid areas that are shaded for long periods, as eggplants require strong, direct light to develop properly and produce a good yield of fruit.
Temperature
Eggplants like 'Bonica' prefer warm temperatures and are sensitive to cold. They grow best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F and night temperatures don't dip below 65°F. They can survive minimum temperatures of around 50°F but growth will be stunted, and maximum temperatures should not exceed 95°F to avoid stress on the plant.
Pruning
Pruning 'Bonica' eggplants helps to encourage air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can result in better fruit production. It's advisable to prune any leaves that are touching the ground to prevent disease, and to remove any suckers or secondary stems that are not bearing fruit. The best time for pruning is in the morning when the plant is dry, and it should be done every few weeks throughout the growing season to maintain plant health and productivity.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Eggplants like Solanum melongena 'Bonica' thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. A soil mix with a combination of garden soil, compost, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite forms an ideal substrate. This ensures proper moisture retention and aeration for optimal growth and fruit production.
Repotting
Eggplants such as Solanum melongena 'Bonica' do not need frequent repotting and it should be done every 2-3 years to replenish the soil. However, if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil is exhausted, it may need repotting more often.
Humidity & Misting
Eggplants, including Solanum melongena 'Bonica', prefer moderate humidity levels. Aim for a humidity range of 40-50% for ideal growth conditions. They are adaptable but will not tolerate extremely high or low humidity levels well.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Grow eggplants in large pots, under full sun, and warm temps.
- Outdoor
  Place eggplants in full sun with good soil and space.
- Hardiness zone
  5-12 USDA
Life cycle
The eggplant, specifically the 'Bonica' variety, begins its life as a seed which, upon germination, develops into a seedling with a pair of true leaves after the initial sprout. As it grows, it transitions into a vegetative stage characterized by the development of a robust stem and multiple broad, fuzzy leaves. The plant then enters the flowering stage, during which purple, star-shaped flowers emerge, indicating readiness for pollination. Successful pollination results in the formation of the fruit, the eggplant, which starts small and green and matures into a large, glossy, typically purple vegetable. After fruiting, if seeds are not harvested, the plant will gradually age and eventually die, completing its life cycle. Seeds within the fruit carry the potential to begin the new generation for the next growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The Solanum melongena 'Bonica', commonly known as eggplant, is typically propagated through seeds as it's the most popular method. The ideal time for sowing eggplant seeds is in early spring, around 6 to 9 weeks before the last frost date when the soil temperature has consistently reached about 75 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 24 degrees Celsius). To propagate eggplants from seeds, fill a tray with a starting potting mix and place the seeds approximately a quarter inch (about 6 millimeters) deep. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings should emerge within one to two weeks. Once seedlings have a couple of true leaves and are around 3 inches (about 7.5 centimeters) tall, they can be transplanted into individual pots until they are strong enough to be moved to their final growing position after the danger of frost has passed.