What's nice about growing eggplants, in my opinion, is that they are lovely to look at long before you get your first fruit. First, you've got their shapely, slightly-fuzzy leaves. Eggplant leaves have a soft, warm green color that's so much more inviting that the bright green of a tomato or pepper leaf. And look how nicely they set off a green spider.



Then, there are eggplant blossoms, which are so much more complex than the one-color tomato or squash flower. (Not that I don't love bright yellow blossoms; they're pretty in their own way.) An eggplant bloom is as attractive as any border flower, with its light-purple petals and deep yellow center. Visually, I think it's my favorite vegetable garden flower.



And, of course, eggplant fruit is gorgeous--so glossy and deep purple. When I see them on the table at the farmers' market, I always have to buy some, especially the striped Listada de Gandia variety, which I am currently growing. Sadly, I don't have any photos of eggplant growing in my garden yet. They are taking their time. But I should have some nice ones in a couple of weeks.

So, that's my little ramble about the beauty of the eggplant. Perhaps you may disagree, but eggplant is my pick for prettiest summer vegetable.

4 comments

1. Unknown on 8/14/2009 12:53:00 PM

   I concur. The eggplant I grew last summer never produced any actual eggplant, but they did look nice in my front yard. I was thankful for the flowers!

    
2. Kathi D on 8/15/2009 04:42:00 AM

   I agree! I picked my first a couple of days ago. Several more small but beautiful ones showing.

    
3. Victoria Williams on 8/15/2009 04:03:00 PM

   I couldn't agree more. Great post! I just picked my first one a couple of days ago also, and it tasted great!

    
4. Tom and Lyanda on 8/23/2009 09:51:00 AM

   We don't grow eggplants because Lyanda doesn't like them ("slimey"). I agree the plants are gorgeous - but even more, I love that spider! All our decent-sized spiders in Seattle are black or brown.