Fairy Tale Eggplant
Solanum melongena 'Fairy Tale'
vegetableMiniature striped purple eggplants 2 to 4 inches long that are mild, creamy, and virtually never bitter — even when left on the plant past prime. Award-winning variety loved for its sweet flavor, ornamental appearance, and compact size. Perfect for grilling whole, stuffing with cheese, or roasting. One of the most beginner-friendly eggplants available.
☀️
Sun
full sun
💧
Water
Every 3 days
🌾
Harvest
~65 days
📊
Difficulty
easy
🌱
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
↔️
Spacing
18-24 in
⬇️
Planting Depth
1/4 in seed; transplant to first true leaf
🧪
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4 – 11
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At transplant; balanced feed every 3 to 4 weeks through fruiting
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10; potassium-rich formula once fruiting heavily
🌱 Growing Guide
Start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last frost. Transplant after nights stay above 55 F. Fairy Tale eggplants mature faster than globe types (65 to 70 days) and are more compact — 18 to 24 inches tall. They produce enormous quantities of fruit continuously through summer. No staking usually needed. Excellent in containers on a sunny patio.
Planting Calendar
Sign in to personalize →🌱
Start seeds indoors
Feb 18
🌿
Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
🌾
Projected first harvest
Jul 3
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Basil — Repels common eggplant pests; beautiful edible combination in a container
- Marigold — Deters flea beetles and nematodes
- Peppers — Compatible warm-season companion with similar growing needs
- Parsley — Attracts hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on eggplant pests
❌ Keep away from
Fennel
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Row cover early season; basil interplanting; diatomaceous earth
Handpick; neem oil spray; rotate planting location
Water blast; insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs
Mist foliage; neem oil every 7 to 10 days in hot weather
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest at 2 to 3 inches for best tenderness and flavor. Skin should be glossy and firm. Unlike larger eggplants, Fairy Tale stays sweet and mild even if slightly overgrown. Grill or roast whole for 10 to 15 minutes. The small size means no need to slice or peel. Refrigerate and use within 5 days.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Good source of fiber, potassium, and nasunin anthocyanin antioxidant. Very low in calories. The thin, fully edible skin provides additional fiber and phytonutrients. Smaller size means easier portion control and less food waste compared to large globe eggplants.
⚠️ Toxicity & safety
Eat the fruit, not the foliage. Eggplant is a nightshade; its leaves and stems are not edible.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.