White Star

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

Silken, moonlit fruit with a crisp, satin sheen—White Star eggplant brings a luminous presence to the garden and a delicate, refined flavor to the plate.

At maturity, the fruits are firm and pleasantly tender, with a creamy interior that lends itself beautifully to roasting and grilling, as well as silky sauces and hearty casseroles. Grow White Star for its standout white color and starry, showpiece appeal—an elegant choice for gardeners who love both beauty and versatility.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 80 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 8th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	85
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

White Star’s pale, creamy interior cooks up silken without tasting bitter, so it’s a dream for hot roasting where you want a browned exterior and a spoonable center. It drinks olive oil like a sponge and balances beautifully with sharp lemon or tangy tomato—no heavy salting theatrics required for flavor.

Best Uses

halved-and-roasted slices (or plank-grilled) for caramelized edges and spoonable centers
smoky grilled eggplant “steaks” dressed with sharp acid (lemon/vinegar)
silken braises and purees where it can thicken and melt down
eggplant-forward casseroles that need a creamy, sliceable, non-slimy texture

Flavor Profile

mild, creamy flesh subtle sweetness with a clean vegetal finish satin-tender bite when cooked hot absorbs fats readily without going greasy

Kitchen Pairings

smoked paprika garlic lemon tahini tomato olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common pests or diseases for Solanum melongena (eggplant/“White Star”) and how do I treat them?

Look for Colorado potato beetle and aphids on young growth; check the undersides of leaves weekly and remove heavily infested foliage early. For disease, watch for early blight (brown spots with yellow margins) and prevent it by watering at the soil line and avoiding wet leaves; remove infected leaves promptly and improve airflow around plants. If outbreaks are persistent, use a labeled insecticidal soap for aphids and a rotating fungicide label-matched to early blight, following the product directions exactly.

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

During flowering and fruit set (roughly weeks 4–10), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for deep watering about 1–2 times per week, more often during hot spells. The goal is to wet the root zone to a few inches down; if the top 1 inch of soil dries out, water again. Mulch helps stabilize moisture, which reduces fruit drop and blossom end rot.

How can I tell when my “White Star” eggplants are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are glossy and fully colored for the variety, typically around 70–80 days after transplanting, and before seeds toughen. For the best eating quality, pick when fruits are firm and still smaller/younger-looking; if they feel puffy and start to dull, they’re likely past prime. Use pruners to cut the fruit with a short stem so the plant continues producing.