Red Thai Long

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

Silky, glossy fruit hangs in elegant, elongated curves—an arresting red that deepens toward a warm garnet as it matures.

Red Thai Long offers a tender, lightly spongy bite with a mild, pleasantly savory flavor that shines in quick stir-fries, roasting, and vibrant sauces. Grow it for its striking color and slender, Thai-style shape that makes every harvest feel like a small garden triumph.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

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	Indeterminate
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

This Thai-style slender eggplant stays tender while soaking up assertive Thai flavors, so it delivers that silky interior without collapsing. The lightly spongy bite is a sponge for garlic-chile-sour balances—especially when you roast/char briefly or hit it with high heat in a wok.

Best Uses

quick wok stir-fries where it soaks up sauce without turning to mush
roasting or char-grilling for creamy interior + caramelized edges
fast, vibrant Thai-style curries and coconut sauces

Flavor Profile

mildly savory, lightly sweet eggplant taste tender flesh with a lightly spongy bite silky, glossy skin that roasts into creamy edges

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lime coconut milk Thai chiles fish sauce cilantro

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Solanum melongena (eggplant) in home gardens, and how can I manage it?

Eggplant commonly suffers from fungal leaf spots and early blight-like spotting, especially during humid weather and when leaves stay wet. Water at the soil line (not the foliage), space plants for airflow, and remove the worst spotted leaves early. If new spotting keeps spreading, spray with a labeled garden fungicide at the first signs and repeat according to label timing.

How often should I water Solanum melongena during the main growing phase to keep fruit set steady?

During flowering and fruit growth, keep the root zone evenly moist—typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply so moisture reaches several inches down, then let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again. Consistent moisture helps prevent blossom drop and bitter, poorly developing fruit.

How do I tell when Red Thai Long eggplant is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully elongated and glossy, with a firm feel and minimal seed development—usually around 75 days after sowing, depending on transplant timing. A good rule: pick at about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) for these long types and before they begin to look dull or feel soft. Use scissors or pruners to cut the fruit with a short stem; leaving overripe fruit on the plant reduces new flowering.