Over 100 years old, this 1902 Burpee introduction remains a standard worldwide for large-fruited black eggplant. It was an immediate hit because the plants ripened perfect fruits dramatically earlier than other varieties. It became the common market eggplant of today. Harvested fresh, however, makes all the difference. The Black Beauty eggplant grows deep purple fruits up to 6 inches long. The flesh is smooth and pale yellow. Plant can grow up to 3 feet tall. The Black Beauty makes a great eggplant for growing in the garden. The eggplant, and its close relative the tomato, were considered poisonous for many years. It is a member of the Solanaceae family that includes a number of toxic weeds like Deadly Nightshade. Eventually the adventurous began to try eating eggplant and it even earned a reputation as an aphrodisiac. But, it's only been in the last 100 years that eggplant has been widely accepted as a vegetable. The large-fruited varieties probably originated in India while the smaller eggplants are thought to have come from China. Zones 3-10 All seeds are packaged and for the current growing season PLEASE SEE MY OTHER SEED LISTINGS