Classic
Centaurea cyanus
Upright plants produce abundant double and semidouble 1-1 1/2" blooms. Prefers cool temperatures. Also known as cornflower, garden cornflower, and bachelor's buttons. Edible Flowers: Use the petals of this great edible flower for decorating desserts. Centaurea is also a popular choice for brightening up salad mix. Flavor is bland and mildly floral.
Harvest
65-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
1-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Classic in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 eggplant →Zone Map
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Classic · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – April | June – July | — | August – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 5 | March – March | May – June | — | August – October |
| Zone 6 | March – March | May – June | — | July – September |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | — | July – September |
| Zone 8 | February – February | April – May | — | June – August |
| Zone 9 | January – January | March – April | — | May – July |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | — | May – July |
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Medium. Propagation: Seed.
Harvesting
Finely hairy, straw-colored at maturity with a tuft of short, stiff, light brown bristles at the tip.
Color: Cream/Tan. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Edible
Storage & Preservation
Store freshly harvested Classic eggplants at room temperature for 2-3 days for immediate use, as refrigeration can cause pitting and bitter flavors to develop. For longer storage, wrap individually in paper towels and refrigerate in the crisper drawer for up to one week.
For freezing, slice eggplants into rounds, salt them for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then blanch for 4 minutes before freezing. This prevents the mushy texture that occurs when freezing raw eggplant. Frozen eggplant works well in cooked dishes like ratatouille or moussaka.
Dehydrating works excellently with Classic's meaty texture—slice into ¼-inch rounds, salt briefly, pat dry, and dehydrate at 135°F until leathery. Rehydrate in warm broth for soups and stews. Classic also preserves beautifully as baba ganoush, which freezes well for up to 6 months, or pickled as a Mediterranean-style antipasto that keeps refrigerated for several weeks.
History & Origin
Origin: Western Asia, Europe
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Pollinators, Songbirds
- +Wildlife value: Birds and butterflies use the flowers and fruit as a food source
- +Edible: Edible
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Basil
Repels aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms while potentially improving eggplant flavor
Tomatoes
Similar growing requirements and can share space efficiently as nightshade family members
Peppers
Compatible nightshade family plants with similar soil and watering needs
Marigolds
Repel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting eggplant
Catnip
Strong insect repellent that deters ants, aphids, and flea beetles
Hot Peppers
Natural pest deterrent that repels many insects harmful to eggplant
Borage
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while potentially improving growth
Keep Apart
Fennel
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most garden plants
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that causes wilting and death in nightshade family plants
Brassicas
Compete for similar nutrients and may stunt eggplant growth through root competition
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169228)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to verticillium wilt and tobacco mosaic virus
Common Pests
Flea beetles, Colorado potato beetle, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt, phomopsis blight, early blight