Asian Delight

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

Velvety, glossy fruit—an inky violet that catches the light like polished lacquer—defines Asian Delight.

Expect a slender, Japanese-style shape with tender, fine-textured flesh and a pleasantly mild, savory flavor that shines in quick, high-heat preparations as well as fresh applications. Grow this 70-day favorite for abundant, elegant eggplants that lend themselves beautifully to roasting, grilling, and silky sauces, with extra charm for pickling when you want a bright, tangy bite.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Bush

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 13th
Harvest Begins	Aug 22nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This Japanese-style eggplant is built for speed: its tender, fine flesh turns silky without the long soak-and-salt drama that heavier varieties demand. It loves aggressive heat and sharp seasonings—think soy, ginger, and vinegar—so it tastes fragrant and clean instead of smoky-bitter.

Best Uses

grilling or broiling whole/halved for lacquered edges and creamy centers
quick stir-fries that keep the flesh from collapsing
roasting into smoky, scoopable purée for smooth sauces
bright pickling where the flesh stays snappy and tangy rather than mushy

Flavor Profile

mild, savory eggplantiness with a clean vegetal sweetness tender, fine-textured flesh that goes silky when cooked through low-bitter, lightly creamy mouthfeel after high heat glossy, thin skin that softens fast without turning leathery

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce miso sesame oil ginger chile paste rice vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew on Asian Delight during warm, humid weather?

Asian Delight commonly gets powdery mildew as a white, floury coating on leaves, often starting on the lower foliage. Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the base (not from above), then remove badly infected leaves early. If it keeps spreading, spray with a labeled sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product every 7–10 days, covering both leaf surfaces.

How often should I water Asian Delight during the main growing phase (around weeks 3–8)?

During active growth, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch per week total water, adjusted for heat and wind. Water when the top 1 inch of soil dries out, aiming to soak down to the root zone, and avoid letting plants sit in saturated soil. After flowering begins, reduce stress by maintaining the same “moist not soggy” level to prevent poor development.

How can I tell when Asian Delight is ready to harvest after ~70 days?

Harvest when plants reach full size and the fruit/heads show mature color and firmness typical for Asian Delight, with no lingering pale, underdeveloped areas. Use a gentle squeeze or light press—if it yields too easily or feels hollow/soft, wait a few days. If you can see the stated days-to-maturity range approaching, check daily because Asian Delight can become overripe quickly once fully colored.