Top 20 Eggplant Varieties for Siberia

Eggplant is a heat-loving plant, but thanks to selective breeding, it can be successfully grown in Siberian conditions. Some varieties thrive not only in greenhouses but also outdoors. Let's find out which varieties and hybrids thrive in the short Siberian summer.

King of the North F1

This hybrid is rightfully considered one of the top varieties for the Siberian region. It has virtually no drawbacks. The only drawback is the inability to collect seeds yourself, as hybrids do not pass on their varietal traits to subsequent generations. This variety has become popular not only in Siberia; gardeners in the central part of the country enjoy growing it.

This early, frost-resistant variety produces the first fruits 105 days after germination. This hybrid is very productive – Siberians harvest up to 15 kg of eggplants per square meter. One plant produces about ten large fruits. The plants are medium-sized, reaching 0.5-0.7 cm in open ground and up to 1 m in greenhouses. Lower fruits may rot when touching the soil.

The fruits are uniform, elongated, and small in diameter. They grow up to 30 cm in length. Eggplants can be straight or curved. They weigh up to 300 g. The classic eggplant color is purple, and the flesh is white with minimal seeds. They have an excellent flavor.

Features of the variety:

• Able to tolerate minor frosts.
• It reacts poorly to heat, so it is not suitable for southern regions.
• They are grown using seedlings, which can be planted directly into open ground.
• Tall bushes are tied up to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit.
• Versatility – can be grown under cover or without it.

Diamond

This variety is rightfully considered a top-selling variety, not only in Siberia but throughout Russia. It is also actively grown by Ukrainian and Moldovan vegetable growers. Seeds from this variety can be harvested at home.

It belongs to the mid-early category. The first fruits are harvested 110-150 days after germination. The bushes grow to only 0.55 m. Up to 8 kg of eggplants can be grown per square meter.

Fruit Diamond Eggplants have a classic eggplant appearance. The fruits are cylindrical in shape, purple to black, medium in size, and elongated. The flesh is greenish. Eggplants grow up to 17 cm in length, 6-7 cm in diameter, and weigh 100-180 g. The fruits, located at the bottom, touch the ground.

Features of the variety:

• High marketability, shelf life and transportability.
• Not affected by tobacco and cucumber mosaic.
• Leave 30 cm gaps between adjacent bushes.
• Universal cultivation – grows in greenhouses and outdoors.
• The fruits are easy to collect because their sepals are devoid of fruits.

King of the F1 market

This early hybrid variety earned its catchy name for good reason. "King of the Market" has ideal characteristics. It takes a full two months to ripen.

In greenhouses, the plant grows up to 0.9 m in height. Outdoors, the bushes are more modest in size, no more than 0.5 m. A single bush produces up to ten fruits. Approximately 6 kg of eggplants are harvested per square meter.

The fruits are elongated, cylindrical, bluish-black, and not bitter. The ends are slightly pointed. The flesh is whitish-cream. The cream-colored areas are where the seeds are concentrated. Eggplants grow up to 20-22 cm in length, 6 cm in diameter, and average weight: 200 g.

Features of the variety:

• If the ambient temperature is below +24°C, the eggplants grow crooked.
• The variety is stress-resistant and easily tolerates weather changes.
• The fruits can be stored for up to two months at +6…+8°C.
• The intervals between adjacent bushes are 40 cm.
• Growing method: seedlings.

Early 148

An ancient, early-ripening variety that produces fruit both in greenhouses and outdoors. Ripens in 110 days. Considered a hardy and undemanding variety.

The bushes are low-growing, standard-type, growing to 0.2-0.5 m in height. The yield in plastic greenhouses ranges from 2.5 to 5 kg per square meter. The fruits are elongated, pear-shaped, and teardrop-shaped, purple, weighing 150-200 g. The flesh is firm, light green, and not bitter. It is suitable for all uses.

Features of the variety:

• Gives stable yields in any weather.
• Leave gaps of 25-30 cm between adjacent plants.
• Planting density: 1.5 plants per 1 sq. m.

White Night

This early variety produces beautiful, snow-white fruits and medium-sized bushes. Its fruits lower cholesterol and have a diuretic effect. It grows well in any type of greenhouse, heated or unheated.

Plant height is 0.6-0.7 cm. Each plant produces 7-9 eggplants. The fruits reach full maturity in 105 days, 10 days earlier in a greenhouse. 1 square meter yields 6-7 kg of eggplants.

The fruits are pear-shaped, white or slightly yellowish. They weigh 190-280 g and have an excellent taste. There is no bitterness. The fruits grow up to 15-25 cm in length.

Features of the variety:

• Has strong immunity against mosaic viruses.
• Does not require shaping or tying.

Bibo F1

Another early hybrid with white fruit. It was bred in Holland but is adaptable to even the most challenging Russian conditions. Ripening period: 85-90 days.

The plants are short, up to 0.85 cm tall, and have a moderate spread. Up to 5 kg of eggplant can be harvested per square meter. The vegetable does not contain solanine, a toxic substance found in small quantities in nightshade crops.

The fruits are elongated and oval, reaching 20 cm in length and 8 cm in diameter. Not only are the fruits delicious, but they also look very beautiful, making them profitable to grow for sale.

Features of the variety:

• The bushes need to be tied up as they grow.
• Resistance to tobacco mosaic and fusarium.
• Grows well in greenhouses and outdoors.
• Between neighboring bushes – 30 cm.

Bourgeois

An early, versatile hybrid with unusual, tomato-like fruits. This variety was developed relatively recently and is the result of crossing several cultivars. It is disease-resistant and very productive. It can withstand weather conditions, so it can be grown without cover.

The growing season of 'Bourgeois' is 105-110 days. The bushes are not tall—up to 0.7-0.8 cm—but vigorous, with sturdy purple stems. Approximately 4.8-5 kg ​​are harvested per square meter.

The spherical purple fruits reach 10 cm in diameter. They average 300 g, but larger specimens, up to 500 g, can be found. The surface is sometimes ribbed. The flesh is white or slightly greenish. They have a subtle mushroom aroma.

Features of the variety:

• It is necessary to collect the fruits on time - when overripe, the seeds harden and the taste deteriorates.
• Extended fruiting period.
• The interval between adjacent plants is 40 cm.

Helios

A popular mid-season variety with large, spherical fruits. It is popular across Russia and is suitable for any growing method. In Siberia, it is recommended to plant it only under cover. The growing season to maturity is 115-120 days.

The bushes are spreading, reaching a height of about 1 m. The yield per square meter is approximately 5 kg of eggplants. For good growth and fruiting, plant this variety in sunny areas.

The fruits are spherical and purple. The color intensity varies. They weigh 300-700 g. The seeds are small and have excellent flavor. This variety is suitable for all culinary and canning purposes. The flesh is white, with a slightly sweet flavor.

Features of the variety:

• The bushes need to be supported. Heavy fruits can break the branches.
• It has a high immunity. The main threats are insects – the Colorado potato beetle and aphids.
• The distance between plants is 40 cm, and between rows – 70 cm.

Clorinda F1

This early Dutch hybrid is suitable for cultivation in all regions of the Russian Federation, including Siberia. Its growing season is 67-70 days.

The bushes are upright, vigorous, and moderately spreading, reaching a height of 0.7-0.8 m. In greenhouse conditions, they grow to 0.9-1 m. The stems are purple and thick. The yield per square meter is 4-5.5 kg.

The fruits are pear-shaped or oval, with white, firm flesh. The skin is purple, almost black. The flavor is excellent, the flesh is not bitter, and it remains resistant to oxidation for a long time. Eggplants grow up to 20 cm in length and 10-11 cm in diameter. They weigh approximately 300 g, with some specimens reaching 1 kg. The flesh contains few seeds.

Features of the variety:

• Requires regular fertilizing – at least five times per season.
• In open ground, plantings are covered with film at night.
• Resistant to tobacco mosaic and other viral diseases.
• Forms ovaries even in cool weather.

Maria

A mid-early variety, bearing fruit 95-100 days after planting. It is prized by commercial eggplant growers. Its fruits grow uniformly and are of similar size.

Plant height is 0.6-0.75 m. The bushes are slightly spreading, with strong stems and branches. They require space and do not tolerate shade. Up to 8 kg of eggplants can be grown per square meter.

The fruit is an elongated cylinder. The skin is slightly glossy and purple. The flesh is firm, white, and not bitter. The fruit is up to 30 cm long and 6-7 cm in diameter. Weight: 200-230 g.

Features of the variety:

• Leave 50 cm gaps between adjacent plants. Plant 3 bushes per 1 square meter.
• Relatively high immunity, practically does not suffer from tobacco mosaic virus.
• Tolerates temperature changes well.

Matrosik F1

This mid-early hybrid attracts gardeners with its unusual fruit color, excellent flavor, and high yields. The light-colored skin doesn't need to be peeled before cooking. Most importantly, the "Matrosik" fruit can be eaten raw—it's commonly added to salads. In Siberia, this variety is grown exclusively under cover.

The bushes are vigorous, with numerous lateral shoots. Plants reach a height of 0.7-0.8 m. In a greenhouse, they grow up to 1 m. Fruiting begins on the 100th to 105th day. Up to 10 kg of eggplants can be harvested per square meter.

The fruits are large, pear-shaped, 15-18 cm long and weigh 250-400 g. Some specimens can reach 1 kg. The flesh is tender, free of voids, and not bitter.

Features of the variety:

• The bushes are tied up to prevent branches from breaking.
• The fruits retain their marketability during long-term storage.
• Immunity to verticillium wilt.

The distinctive feature of the "Matrosik" variety is its unusual color combination. It got its name from its striped, white and lilac coloring.

Pelican F1

This hybrid represents a group of white-fruited eggplants. All white varieties are hybrids, bred to improve flavor.

Unlike purple fruits, white ones do not contain anthocyanins—these natural glycosides are what give the vegetable its dark color and characteristic bitterness. This hybrid is suitable for any type of cultivation.

This early-ripening hybrid produces medium-height bushes—approximately 1-1.2 m. Ripening takes 105-110 days. Each bush yields 1.5-2 kg of eggplant.

The fruits are milky-white, matte, and elongated, saber-shaped. They reach 20 cm in length and 5-6 cm in diameter. They weigh 200-250 g. The flesh is medium-dense, delicate in consistency, and not bitter. All fruits grow to the same size.

Features of the variety:

• The distance between adjacent plants is 40 cm.
• The plants require shaping: remove all lateral shoots and leaves up to the first fork.

White eggplants have a more refined flavor than dark ones. However, they are less nutritious because they lack anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant.

Ping-Pong F1

A mid-season white-fruited hybrid with tasty and attractive fruits. Like all white eggplants, it has tender flesh. The fruits are used in various dishes, canned, and eaten raw. In Siberia, it grows only under cover.

Hybrid bushes grow to 0.6-0.7 m. The ripening period is 120-130 days. 1-1.2 kg are harvested per square meter. One plant produces up to two dozen fruits.

The fruits are spherical, 5-6 cm in diameter. The flesh is medium-dense and greenish. There are few seeds in the flesh. Each fruit weighs 90 g. They have a delicate and piquant flavor.

Features of the variety:

• The intervals between adjacent bushes are 30 cm.
• All lateral shoots and leaves up to the first fork are removed from the bush.

Black Diamond

An early variety with beautiful dark fruits, ripening 105-110 days after planting. No more than 4-6 plants are planted per square meter.

The bush is semi-spreading, low – up to 0.5-0.6 m. 6-6.5 kg of eggplants are harvested from 1 square meter.

The fruits are cylindrical and purple, almost black. They grow up to 23-24 cm in length and weigh 200-250 g. The flesh is light and not bitter. The fruits are used for various purposes, including pickling.

Features of the variety:

• Withstands temperature changes.
• Can be stored for a long time – up to 2 months.
• Fruit setting occurs in any weather.

Czech early

One of the best early varieties. Ready for consumption in 90-100 days. Popular with gardeners for its ease of cultivation, excellent taste, and marketable appearance.

The plants are compact, reaching a height of no more than 0.6 m. The bushes are robust and can support the weight of the fruit. Four to six bushes are planted per square meter. Yields are 4-5 kg/sq. m.

The fruits are large, purple, with firm, greenish-white flesh. The shape is ovoid. The taste is not bitter. They weigh up to 500-600 g.

Features of the variety:

• Can be planted under cover using seeds or seedlings.
• Leave 30-35 cm between neighboring plants.

Japanese dwarf

A mid-early variety, ripening in 100-120 days. It grows equally well both under and without cover. This variety is recommended for cultivation in regions with harsh climates, including Siberia.

The bushes grow low—up to 0.4 m. The stems are strong, supporting the weight of the fruit. A single plant yields up to 3 kg of eggplant, and 700 g per square meter.

The pear-shaped fruits reach 20 cm in length and weigh 160-170 g. They are dark purple in color. The flavor is excellent, without bitterness. They are versatile: they are canned, frozen, and used in various dishes. The flesh is tender, greenish-white, and contains few seeds.

Features of the variety:

• Able to tolerate adverse weather conditions and temperature changes.
• When the plant reaches a height of 25 cm, the top of the central stem is removed to stimulate the growth of lateral shoots.

Along with the "Japanese Dwarf," seeds of the "Korean Dwarf" are also available. These varieties are very similar and can be used interchangeably.

Finger

A mid-early variety with an unusual fruiting pattern. The fruits grow on clusters. This variety thrives in a wide variety of conditions, including containers and winter gardens.

The plants grow semi-spreading. Bushes reach a height of 0.65-0.8 m. The ripening period is 70-80 days from planting.

The fruits are cylindrical and green with a purple tint. The flesh is tender, greenish, sweet, and not bitter. Eggplants are 20 cm long, but are harvested when they reach 10-15 cm—their tastiest size. Each eggplant weighs 30-40 g.

Features of the variety:

• The fruits are ideal for grilling, pickling and canning.
• It tolerates heat and drought well.
• Lateral shoots are removed up to the first fork. Five to six of the best ovaries are left on the bush; the rest are picked off.

Emerald F1

An early-ripening hybrid, bearing fruit 105-110 days after planting. Grows well in both heated winter greenhouses and conventional unheated greenhouses.

The bushes are moderately spreading, medium-sized, and reach a height of 0.6-0.7 m. 7-7.5 kg of eggplants are harvested from 1 square meter.

The fruit is shaped like an elongated cylinder. The skin is light green, the flesh is off-white, without a bitter taste, and has a tender texture. Weight: 300-400 g.

Features of the variety:

• It is distinguished by its extended fruiting period, which lasts until September.
• Resistance to adverse conditions.
• The intervals between adjacent bushes are 30-35 cm.

Big Oaf F1

A mid-early variety developed by Siberian breeders. Ripening period is 120-130 days. Grows in any conditions, with or without cover.

The bushes are medium-sized, the branches are sparse, the height is 0.6-0.8 m. 6-7 kg of eggplants are harvested from 1 square meter.

The fruits are large and spherical, 10-15 cm in diameter. Some specimens grow up to 20 cm in diameter. They weigh 500-700 g. The record is 1.8 kg. The skin is purple, the flesh is white. The flavor is excellent, and the flesh contains few seeds.

Features of the variety:

• 5-7 ovaries are left on the plants. Excess ovaries are removed to obtain larger eggplants.
• It can be affected by late blight, so it requires preventative spraying with fungicides.

Bataysky

A mid-season variety recommended for the East Siberian region. Ripening period is 120-140 days. This variety has been cultivated for over forty years.

The bushes are medium-sized, not spreading. Height is 0.45-0.75 m. Yield per square meter is from 4 to 8 kg.

The fruits are smooth, elongated, and cylindrical. They reach a length of 12-20 cm, a diameter of 5-8 cm, and a weight of 140-120 cm. The color ranges from purple to black. The flesh is white and free of voids. The taste is not bitter.

Features of the variety:

• The variety is susceptible to Fusarium wilt.
• The fruits located at the bottom of the bush touch the ground.

Dwarf Early 921

An early-ripening, prolific variety for open Siberian soil. It can also be grown under cover. In greenhouses, its yield is twice as high. Ripening period is 90-110 days.

The bushes are low—0.3–0.45 m—and have 3–5 shoots. The fruits are attached low on the stems. The yield per square meter is 4–6 kg of eggplants.

The fruits are round-pear-shaped, purple, and matte. They weigh 200-300 g and have excellent flavor. The maximum length of the fruit is 15 cm.

Features of the variety:

• It is recommended to remove yellowed lower leaves and non-fruiting shoots.
• May be affected by spider mites – regular inspections and preventative treatments with Fitoverm are necessary.

Epic F1

This early hybrid is very popular among farmers. It's productive, tasty, and easy to grow. Eggplant Epic – a leader among varieties grown for commercial purposes.

This variety produces a productive harvest in regions with short summers. It grows both in greenhouses and outdoors. 6-8 kg of eggplants are harvested per square meter. The bushes have straight, strong stems, reaching a height of 1 m.

The fruit is teardrop-shaped. Length is up to 20 cm, diameter is up to 10 cm. Weight is 200-300 g. Color is purple, flesh is white and firm. The fruits are versatile, suitable for any purpose.

Features of the variety:

• It is immune to the main diseases of nightshades.
• The fruits are characterized by uniform ripening.

A gardener's dream

An early-ripening, tall variety, suitable for both greenhouse and open-air cultivation. Ripening period is 95-105 days from germination.

The bushes grow to 0.6-0.8 m. Up to 6 kg are harvested from 1 square meter. The bushes are dense, strong, and weakly branched.

The fruits have a classic appearance. They are elongated, cylindrical, and purple in color. They grow up to 22 cm in length, 7-8 cm in diameter, and weigh 150-200 g. The flesh is moderately firm and white. The flavor is excellent, without bitterness.

Features of the variety:

• The variety is demanding in terms of lighting.
• Resistance to anthracnose and late blight.
• Affected by Colorado potato beetles.

The Nutcracker F1

An early hybrid whose bush height depends on growing conditions. Uncovered, plants reach 1 m in height, while in greenhouses, they reach 1.5 m or more. The maturation period is 100 days.

The bushes are moderately spreading. A single bush yields 4-8 kg of eggplant per season. The fruit is versatile and can be boiled, salted, pickled, and frozen.

The fruits are spherical and pear-shaped. The length is about 15 cm. The color is purple. The skin is glossy, smooth, and somewhat thick. Weight is 230-250 g. Maximum weight is 750 g. The taste is not bitter.

Features of the variety:

• A large number of ovaries are formed on the bushes, ensuring long-term fruiting.
• May be affected by root rot and late blight.

Purple Wonder F1

An early, high-yielding hybrid. Fruiting begins 100 days after planting. Versatile – suitable for both greenhouses and open ground.

The bushes are medium-sized, growing up to 0.7-0.9 m. 7-8 kg of eggplants are harvested from 1 square meter.

The fruits are not bitter and are cylindrical in shape. The color is purple. The flesh is greenish and particularly tender and soft. Weight: 200-350 g.

Features of the variety:

• After heat treatment, the pulp retains the shape given to it by slicing.
• Resistant to spider mites.

Solara F1

A high-yielding, ultra-early hybrid. Fruiting begins 55-65 days after planting. Grows in any conditions, with or without cover.

The bushes are strong, upright, and branched. Yields 7-8 kg per square meter.

The fruits are black and glossy, growing up to 30 cm in length. The white flesh is not bitter. The average weight is 300 g. The maximum weight is 1 kg. The diameter is 8 cm.

Features of the variety:

• The intervals between adjacent bushes are 40 cm.
• Resistance to tobacco mosaic virus.

Among the eggplants available for cultivation in Siberia, there are varieties to suit every taste—tall and short, with purple and white fruits, suitable for both open and closed ground. By following proper agricultural practices, Siberian gardeners can successfully grow this vitamin-rich vegetable both in greenhouses and outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions