Kermit

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

Sink your senses into Kermit’s glossy, deep-ink fruit—sleek and richly colored, with a tender, subtly sweet flavor that stays smooth and refined.

Harvested at about 70 days, these Thai eggplants develop a slender, elegant shape and a satiny, lightly firm texture that shines in quick, vibrant preparations and shines fresh in bold, aromatic dishes. Grow Kermit for a steady, garden-to-plate bounty of striking fruit that looks as good as it tastes.

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 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 29th
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

Kermit’s Thai-style slender fruit stays sleek and tender, so it’s built for speed—heat it hard, and it turns creamy without turning to paste. The mellow sweetness invites bright acids and aromatics, making it ideal for char, stir-fries, and quick curries where it stays glossy instead of collapsing.

Best Uses

hot quick-stir: sauté until glossy and just tender, no long stew time
char/grill and fold into chili-lime sauces for smoky creaminess
thin-slice pan-fry for crisp edges with a soft center
toss into a fast vegetable curry where it absorbs aromatics without collapsing

Flavor Profile

silky, lightly sweet eggplant flesh tender but not mushy, holds a clean bite satiny interior that cooks quickly subtle bitterness that mellows fast

Kitchen Pairings

ginger soy sauce lime juice coconut milk chile paste sesame oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease issue is most common for Solanum melongena (eggplant), and what should I do if I see it?

Eggplant commonly suffers from flea beetles and early-season leaf damage; look for small shot holes and check young leaves daily. Cover seedlings with an insect net or row cover immediately after transplanting, and remove heavily infested leaves; for severe outbreaks use an organic insecticidal soap spray, targeting the undersides in the morning. Watch also for Verticillium wilt symptoms (yellowing and wilting on one side) and remove affected plants to reduce spread; avoid replanting eggplant in the same spot for several years.

How often should I water Solanum melongena during the main growing phase (around flowering and fruit set)?

During flowering and fruit set, keep soil evenly moist—aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, delivered in deep soakings rather than frequent sprinkles. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, then water thoroughly so moisture reaches the root zone; inconsistent moisture can trigger flower drop. Mulch around plants to stabilize moisture and reduce hot, dry swings that stress eggplant.

How can I tell when Solanum melongena is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are firm, glossy, and reach the expected size for your plant, typically about 70 days from transplanting (varies by conditions). The skin should dent slightly but not stay indented, and seeds should still be small inside—if fruits look dull or develop a tougher, bitter texture, they’re likely overripe. Use pruners to cut the fruit with a short stem section to avoid damaging the plant.