Ping Tung

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

Silky and glossy as lacquer, ‘Ping Tung’ eggplant ripens to long, gently curved fruits with a deep violet skin that catches the light like satin.

The flesh is tender and pleasantly mild, with a fine, creamy texture that holds its shape beautifully for bold, flavor-forward dishes—whether you savor it fresh from the garden or turn it into a smoky, savory favorite. Grow ‘Ping Tung’ for its elegant, market-ready form and the satisfying confidence of a dependable 75-day harvest.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

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	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’ cooks like a dream for fast, high-heat work: the creamy interior stays tender while the flesh holds together, so it won’t turn into a watery mop. It’s mild enough to carry bold seasonings—think soy, garlic, ginger, chili, and a sharp hit of vinegar—then finishes silky and smoky from a hard sear.

Best Uses

char-grilling or broiling until the edges collapse and caramelize
pan-roasting and then smashing into a creamy spread
stir-frying in high heat so it stays tender without turning spongy
smoky braises where it absorbs sauce and keeps its shape

Flavor Profile

mild, subtly sweet eggplant flesh silky, creamy interior with a firm hold glossy skin that goes silky when blistered smoky-savory, umami-leaning when cooked hot

Kitchen Pairings

soy sauce garlic ginger sesame oil chili paste rice vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Solanum melongena (eggplant) like Ping Tung, and how can I control it at home?

Eggplant is especially prone to flea beetles, which create small shot-holes in leaves and can stunt young plants. Cover seedlings with row cover until flowering, and apply insecticidal soap or neem in the early morning every 5–7 days while beetles are active. If you see wilting and brown stem issues, remove affected plants promptly and avoid overhead watering to reduce foliar and stem diseases.

How often should I water Ping Tung eggplant during the main growing phase?

During fruiting (after plants establish), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged: water deeply about 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during hot weather. Aim for an even moisture level in the root zone (about 1–2 inches down), and mulch around plants to prevent rapid drying. Reduce watering if you notice yellowing from overly wet conditions or if the soil stays soggy after watering.

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

Harvest when fruits are fully elongated and glossy, typically around 70–90 days from transplanting for long varieties, and about 75 days to maturity as a general guide. For Ping Tung, pick when the skin is firm and the fruit is still young and tender—if it looks dull or develops a thick, overly firm feel, delay leads to more bitterness and tougher seeds. Use pruning shears and cut the fruit with a short stem to encourage continued production.