Listada de Gandía is a stunning heirloom from the Valencia region of Spain that has been grown for over a century. It’s prized as much for its beauty as for its flavor, producing loads of oval, 6–8 inch fruits hand-painted in vibrant purple-and-white stripes. The skin is thin and tender (no peeling ever needed), and the flesh is creamy, sweet, and completely free of bitterness, even when fruits are picked large.
 
Plants are refreshingly compact and squat, only 18–24 inches tall and about the same wide, making this one of the very best eggplants for containers, raised beds, or small-space gardens. Despite the modest size, each plant is a heavy producer all summer long once the heat kicks in.
 
KEY FEATURES
Days to maturity: 75–85 days from transplant (fruits start coming early and keep going until frost)
Fruit size: 6–8 inches long × 3–4 inches wide, oval, gorgeous magenta-purple stripes on white
Flavor & texture: Mild, sweet, never bitter; dense yet creamy flesh that holds up beautifully grilled, roasted, or in ratatouille
Heat lover: Thrives once nighttime temps stay above 60 °F
 
GROWING TIPS
Transplant after all danger of frost when nights are reliably warm; space 18–24 inches apart.
Full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Mulch heavily to keep roots warm and moist.
Container-friendly: One plant per 12–20 gallon pot works perfectly.
Harvest regularly when fruits have good color and glossy skin; letting them over-mature slows new production.
 
Listada de Gandía is hands-down one of the prettiest and best-tasting eggplants you can grow. Its compact habit, heavy yields, and melt-in-your-mouth flesh make it a favorite of chefs and home cooks alike.

Sold in a 2.5" pot.