Hansel F1
Solanum melongena 'Hansel F1'
An award-winning mini eggplant that produces clusters of small, glossy purple fruits that are perfect for individual servings. This compact hybrid is incredibly productive and the fruits have tender skin that doesn't require peeling, making them ideal for quick cooking and elegant presentations. The sweet, mild flavor and lack of bitterness make it a favorite for both adults and children.
Harvest
55-65d
Days to harvest
Sun
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Zones
9–12
USDA hardiness
Height
2-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Hansel F1 in USDA Zone 7
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Hansel F1 · Zones 9–12
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 | — | July – September |
| 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
Light: Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in., Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed.
Harvesting
The fruit is a berry that is egg-shaped, smooth and has glossy skin. The fruit may measure 4 to 8 inches long. It ranges in color from green to white, to purple-black when immature and when it should be eaten. As the fruit matures it gets stringy and bitter. Fruit contains numerous small, flat, pale yellow to brown seeds.
Color: Vegetable Garden at Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden Vegetable Garden with Pollinator Plants in Mt. Pleasant. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: The immature fruit is edible and best used in food preparation. As the fruit matures, it becomes stringy and bitter. The fruits are usually cooked and served as a vegetable. They may be prepared and eaten by frying, steaming, grilling, roasting, or stewing. They may also be stir-fried, pickled, stuffed, and fried with a light breading.
Storage & Preservation
Store fresh Hansel F1 eggplants at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate in the crisper drawer for up to one week. Unlike larger varieties, these mini eggplants maintain their quality better at cool room temperature (60-70°F) rather than cold storage, which can cause pitting and off-flavors.
For longer preservation, slice and salt the eggplants for 30 minutes to remove any residual moisture, then freeze on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags. They'll keep for 6-8 months frozen. The tender skin makes them excellent for quick pickling in vinegar brine with herbs and garlic.
Dehydrating works well for these small fruits – slice lengthwise into ¼-inch strips and dry at 135°F until leathery. Alternatively, roast whole until tender, then puree and freeze in ice cube trays for easy portions to add to soups and sauces throughout winter.
History & Origin
Origin: Vegetable Garden at Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden Vegetable Garden with Pollinator Plants in Mt. Pleasant
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Heat
- +Attracts: Bees
- +Wildlife value: The flowers attract bumblebees.
- +Edible: The immature fruit is edible and best used in food preparation. As the fruit matures, it becomes stringy and bitter. The fruits are usually cooked and served as a vegetable. They may be prepared and eaten by frying, steaming, grilling, roasting, or stewing. They may also be stir-fried, pickled, stuffed, and fried with a light breading.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Flowers, Leaves, Roots, Stems): High severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Basil
Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving eggplant flavor
Tomatoes
Share similar growing requirements and can help confuse pests through companion diversity
Peppers
Fellow nightshades with compatible growing needs that don't compete heavily for nutrients
Marigolds
Repel nematodes, aphids, and flea beetles while attracting beneficial insects
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from eggplant
Oregano
Deters spider mites, aphids, and cabbage moths with strong aromatic compounds
Thyme
Repels hornworms and whiteflies while attracting beneficial predatory insects
Hot Peppers
Natural pest deterrent that repels various insects and small mammals
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that stunts nightshade family growth and causes wilting
Fennel
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most vegetables including eggplant
Corn
Creates excessive shade and competes heavily for nutrients, reducing eggplant yield
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 common eggplant diseases, improved tolerance to cool weather
Common Pests
Flea beetles, aphids, spider mites, thrips
Diseases
Verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, early blight, phytophthora blight