Eggplant
Solanum melongena ‘esculentum’
Also known as melongena, eggplant originated in Asia, where it has been grown for centuries
White Eggplant was listed along with a purple variety in several eastern United States seed catalogues by 1825, and Jefferson recorded both types being grown at Monticello in 1812. Early catalogues recommended the White Eggplant for ornamental rather than culinary use, but today some people consider it the superior edible type. Also known as melongena, eggplant originated in Asia, where it has been grown for centuries. Eggplant yields egg-shaped fruits, up to six inches long, which turn from ivory to golden yellow when fully ripe.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
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Between April and October, all house tours come with a free guided Garden Tour, or you can explore the grounds on your own with the Bloomberg Connects App
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
