fruit vegetable

Millionaire Eggplant

Solanum melongena 'Millionaire'

The Story

Plant Bio

Compact and productive eggplant variety producing glossy, purple fruits.

Known for its high yield and is suitable for container gardening.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright purple fruits add visual appeal to vegetable gardens.
Practical UsesProvides nutritious, versatile edible fruits rich in antioxidants.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees during flowering season.
SpeciesSolanum melongenaEggplant

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

30 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Annual (tender perennial in zones 10-12)

Native To

South Asia

Toxicity

Edible fruit; other parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds ¼ inch deep into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Keep soil consistently moist and warm for germination.
  3. Transplant seedlings when they have 2-3 true leaves and are sturdy.
  4. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in full sun.
  5. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Harvest fruits when they reach full size and color, typically 70-85 days after planting.

Pro Tip

Use warm soil and full sun for best fruit production, and pinch off early flowers to encourage stronger plants.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 💧
  • Provide full sun for optimal growth ☀️
  • Use organic mulch to conserve moisture 🌱
  • Prune to improve airflow and fruit quality
  • Apply balanced fertilizer during growing season

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t plant in shady or poorly drained areas
  • Refrain from excessive nitrogen fertilization which encourages foliage over fruit
  • Avoid disturbing roots during pruning

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Edible vegetable border with lush green foliageColorful fruiting shrub for edible garden beds

Companion Plants

Marigolds Basil Chives Carrots Lettuce

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Millionaire Eggplant questions

What zones can Millionaire Eggplant grow in?

Millionaire Eggplant is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Millionaire Eggplant deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Millionaire Eggplant, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Millionaire Eggplant bloom?

Millionaire Eggplant typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Millionaire Eggplant need full sun?

Millionaire Eggplant does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Millionaire Eggplant with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.