Ping Tung Long

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

Silky and deep—Ping Tung Long eggplant unfurls into long, elegant fruits with a glossy, inky-purple skin that catches the light like lacquer.

The flesh is tender and pleasantly mild, with few seeds and a fine, creamy texture that shines in stir-fries, roasting, and quick pickling for a bright, tangy bite. Grow it for a steady harvest of slender spears that look as striking in the garden as they taste on the table.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Ping Tung Long

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Stake
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

Ping Tung Long’s long, slender shape cooks fast, so the interior goes custardy before the exterior can turn bitter. It takes boldly flavored sauces—soy, miso, vinegar—without needing much help, staying silky rather than spongy.

Best Uses

high-heat stir-fries where it softens into silky ribbons
quick-roasting to concentrate flavor without drying out
Chinese-style braises where it turns custardy at the center
quick pickling for crisp-tender, tangy slices

Flavor Profile

mild, subtly sweet eggplant flesh creamy interior with a silky, low-seed bite glossy, inky-skin bitterness that melts when cooked savory, lightly nutty finish

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce ginger sesame oil chili crisp miso rice vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Solanum melongena (eggplant) and what can I do early?

Eggplant commonly suffers from flea beetles and bacterial wilt/rot-like issues in wet, warm conditions. Check leaves weekly for small shot-like holes (flea beetles) and treat immediately with insect netting or a labeled organic/chemical control; for bacterial problems, remove and discard affected plants, avoid overhead watering, and keep foliage dry.

How often should I water Solanum melongena during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruit set, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week, adjusted for heat and container size. Water deeply to wet the root zone, and only water again when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch to prevent blossom-end rot and fungal leaf spots.

How can I tell when Ping Tung Long eggplant is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully elongated and glossy, typically around 75 days after sowing, and when they snap back slightly when gently bent. If seeds feel hard or the skin looks dull and thick, it’s overmature—cut fruit with a short stem before fully ripening to keep plants producing.