Rosa Bianca Eggplant Seeds

Rosa Bianca is an Italian variety with a mild flavor and creamy consistency. Because of the superb flavor of the fruit, this variety is considered gourmet. Fruits are about 4″-6″ long and 4″-5″ in diameter.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Eggplant grows well in our long warm season. Often it can be grown year-round. This process is called perennialization. It happens when a typically annual plant grows year-round in mild weather. In Zones 9 and 10, you can grow eggplant year-round, but productivity will diminish in cool temperatures and when days are shorter. As a grower, you should decide to pull plants if they are not producing at a healthy rate, diseased, or need the space for more seasonal vegetables.
• In Zones 9 and 10, you can start seeds as early as February if they are protected from the cold. Do not let your seedlings get root bound in the containers. All seeds of the Solanaceae family enjoy warm temperatures to germinate. Using a heating pad can significantly increase the germination rate and speed.

Zones 2-8

• Sow seeds in starter pots with a heating pad 5-6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant out after the danger of frost is gone. Eggplants cannot tolerate cold temperatures; they are typically the last plant to be transplanted out.

Planting Rosa Bianca Eggplant Seeds

• Seeds are easy to start with some fundamental knowledge. Be aware that eggplant germinates very slowly in cold soil. If you start your seeds early in the season, you may want to use a heating mat to ensure the soil is warm enough for quick germination. Soil temperature should be 75-90°F.
• When starting seeds in starter pots, place the seeds on top of moist high-quality seed starting soil and cover with 1/4″ finely sifted soil.
• If you plan on direct sowing your eggplant (not recommended), you will follow the same directions as starting them in seed starter pots or plug trays.
• Once the seedlings have germinated and have their first set of true leaves, be sure to fertilize regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer.

Growing Rosa Bianca Eggplant 

• Once your seedlings are 7-8 weeks old or 5-6″ tall and stocky, you can plant them in the garden.
• Eggplants can be overloaded with fruit, causing the plant to fall to the ground. Minor support may be needed for large eggplant varieties like Black Beauty. Reusable garden plant clips make it easy to support your crop! Compostable plant clips available too!
• A granular organic fertilizer added to the planting area is a good idea if your garden has poor nutrient content or if you are growing in a new raised bed.
• Good moisture in the soil is needed. In Zones 9 and 10, this may mean watering by hand often or regular irrigation.

Growing Rosa Bianca Eggplant in Containers

• If planting in containers, make sure your container is at least 20″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top layer of soil in the pot to keep the soil from drying out or heating up too much.

Harvesting Eggplant?

• Eggplants are best harvested at peak ripeness, typically when they have turned their appropriate color. As fruits mature on the plant, they can become bitter and fibrous. Harvest when fruits are smaller and more tender.

Southern California Pro-tips

• In areas of Zones 9 and 10, eggplant can be grown year-round but may decrease drastically in production.
• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much.
• During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. During this time, using shade cloth can help protect the plants from extreme heat.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Eggplant can get very large. For this reason we recommend planting low-lying companion plants. Flowers like alyssum and nasturtium look beautiful with eggplants. Sunflowers can also be grown on the north side of eggplants giving a spectacular display.
• Try growing a variety of eggplants in the garden like our Long Purple Eggplant and Black Beauty Eggplant.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue for eggplant at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.