Gretel Eggplant

Gretel is an early white eggplant that produces glossy mini fruit in clusters. PanAmerican lists maturity at about 55–60 days after transplanting and describes the fruit as tender and non-bitter. [PanAmerican Seed](https://www.panamseed.com/Products/024400001021692/eggplant-gretel/) ## Fruit and form The semi-spineless fruit is elongated and can be picked at about 3–4 inches for baby fruit or left longer to mature. PanAmerican describes Gretel as a productive selection with a slightly larger plant than Hansel. The mounded plant has violet, star-shaped flowers and green leaves typical of eggplant. [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/solanum-melongena/) ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained loamy or sandy soil with steady moisture. The plant can be grown in the ground or a large container, with or without support. Its published dimensions are 36–52 inches tall by 24–36 inches wide; exact size varies with growing conditions. ## Maintenance Water consistently while fruit develops and harvest while the skin is glossy and tender. Cook the fruit for best eating quality, and remove ripe fruit regularly to encourage continued production.