Eggplant - Bonica

Common Name: Bonica Eggplant

Description:
Eggplant ‘Bonica’ (Solanum melongena ‘Bonica’) is a high-yielding, early-maturing variety known for its deep purple, glossy, oval-shaped fruit. This vigorous plant produces large eggplants with tender, mild-flavoured flesh, making it ideal for grilling, roasting, and Mediterranean dishes. ‘Bonica’ thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil, requiring regular watering for optimal fruit development. It is a reliable performer in home gardens, offering excellent disease resistance and prolonged harvesting from mid-summer to autumn. Stake plants for support as they mature and harvest fruit while the skin remains shiny to ensure the best texture and flavour.

Form:

• Herbaceous

Mature Size:

• Height: 70 – 90 cm
• Width: 50 – 70 cm

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring
• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• Purple

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Edible Fruit
• Bee Attracting
• Perennial (Grown as Annual)
• High Yielding
• Disease Resistant

Toxicity:

• Leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine and are toxic if consumed in large amounts

Companion Plants:

• Basil (Repels pests, improves growth)
• Marigolds (Deter nematodes and aphids)
• Nasturtiums (Attract beneficial insects)
• Capsicum (Similar growing conditions)
• Beans (Improve soil nitrogen)