Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Millionaire in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 eggplant →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Millionaire · Zones 4–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4 | March – March | May – June | — | July – September |
| Zone 5 | February – March | May – June | — | July – September |
| Zone 6 | February – March | May – June | — | July – October |
| Zone 7 | January – March | April – June | — | June – October |
| Zone 8 | January – March | April – July | — | June – November |
| Zone 9 | January – August | March – October | — | May – December |
| Zone 10 | January – December | January – December | — | January – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Start your Millionaire eggplant seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Use a high-quality seed starting mix and maintain soil temperature between 75-85°F for optimal germination, which typically occurs within 7-14 days. Bottom heat from a seedling heat mat dramatically improves germination rates for this heat-loving variety.
Prepare your planting site by working in 2-3 inches of compost or well-aged manure into rich, loamy soil. Millionaire thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) with excellent drainage. Create raised beds or mounded rows if your soil tends to stay wet, as waterlogged conditions will stunt growth and invite disease.
Transplant seedlings only after nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55°F and soil temperature reaches 70°F – typically 2-3 weeks after your last frost. Cold soil will shock transplants and delay fruit production by weeks. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart, as Millionaire produces vigorous plants that can reach 3-4 feet tall.
Install sturdy stakes or cages at planting time, as the long, heavy fruits can cause branches to break. Use 6-foot stakes and tie branches gently with soft cloth strips as they grow. The slender 8-12 inch fruits are particularly prone to touching the ground without proper support.
Feed with balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting, then switch to lower nitrogen once flowering begins to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of fruit production. Side-dress with compost monthly and maintain consistent soil moisture – irregular watering can cause the tender skin to split or develop bitter compounds.
In zones 7 and cooler, use black plastic mulch to warm soil and extend the growing season. Southern gardeners should use organic mulch to keep roots cool during intense summer heat. Pinch off the first few flowers to encourage strong plant establishment, especially in shorter growing seasons.
Harvesting
Harvest Millionaire eggplants when fruits reach 8-12 inches long and display deep, glossy purple skin with a mirror-like shine. The skin should feel firm but give slightly to gentle pressure – overripe fruits develop a dull appearance and bitter flavor. Test ripeness by gently pressing your thumbnail into the skin; it should leave a slight indent that springs back slowly.
Cut (never pull) fruits from the plant using clean, sharp pruning shears, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season, as leaving mature fruits on the plant reduces overall production. Early morning harvest provides the crispest texture and best shelf life.
Young fruits at 6-8 inches are incredibly tender and perfect for delicate preparations like tempura, while full-sized fruits offer the classic meaty texture ideal for grilling and roasting. Unlike many eggplant varieties, Millionaire maintains its sweet flavor and tender texture even at full maturity, giving you flexibility in harvest timing.
Storage & Preservation
Store freshly harvested Millionaire eggplants at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate in the crisper drawer for up to one week. Unlike many vegetables, eggplants are sensitive to cold temperatures below 50°F, which can cause pitting and accelerated decay.
For longer storage, slice and salt eggplant for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then freeze on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags – this prevents the mushy texture common with frozen eggplant. The tender flesh also excels in pressure canning as part of ratatouille or caponata recipes.
Dehydrating thin slices creates 'eggplant bacon' chips, while fermenting chunks in salt brine produces a tangy condiment popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. The sweet, non-bitter flesh of Millionaire makes it particularly suitable for these preservation methods without requiring extensive pre-treatment.
History & Origin
Millionaire represents the pinnacle of Japanese eggplant breeding, developed in the late 20th century specifically for the demanding requirements of professional chefs and high-end markets. Japanese plant breeders created this hybrid by crossing traditional nasu varieties with modern cultivars to eliminate the bitterness compounds (solanine and related alkaloids) that plague many eggplant varieties.
The variety's luxurious name reflects both its premium market position and the significant investment in breeding technology required to achieve its perfect balance of length, tenderness, and flavor. Japanese eggplant varieties like Millionaire emerged from centuries of careful selection in Japanese cuisine, where eggplant holds cultural significance as a symbol of prosperity.
This hybrid specifically targets the North American and European markets' demand for the elegant, slender Asian eggplant form combined with reliable performance in diverse growing conditions. The breeding focused on hybrid vigor for disease resistance while maintaining the delicate flavor profile that makes Japanese eggplants so prized in fine dining establishments.
Advantages
- +Completely bitterness-free even when fully mature, unlike most eggplant varieties
- +Exceptionally long shelf life with glossy skin that maintains market appeal for days
- +Produces uniform 8-12 inch fruits perfect for portion control in restaurants
- +Strong hybrid vigor provides excellent disease tolerance in humid conditions
- +Silky, tender flesh requires minimal cooking time and absorbs flavors beautifully
- +Consistent fruit set even during temperature fluctuations that affect other varieties
- +Commands premium prices at farmers markets due to superior appearance and flavor
Considerations
- -Requires warm soil (70°F+) for successful transplanting, limiting northern growing seasons
- -More expensive seed cost compared to open-pollinated varieties
- -Heavy fruit production requires sturdy staking to prevent branch breakage
- -Cannot save seeds for next year's planting due to hybrid nature
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Basil
Repels aphids, whiteflies, and flea beetles while potentially improving eggplant flavor
Marigolds
Deters nematodes, aphids, and other pests with strong scent compounds
Peppers
Share similar growing requirements and pest resistance strategies
Tomatoes
Compatible nightshade family members with similar soil and care needs
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, draws pests away
Oregano
Repels spider mites and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Catnip
Natural insect repellent that deters flea beetles and mosquitoes
Borage
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while potentially improving growth
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that stunts growth and can kill eggplants
Fennel
Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of most vegetable crops including eggplant
Corn
Attracts corn earworm which also feeds on eggplant fruits
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent hybrid vigor with good disease tolerance
Common Pests
Flea beetles, aphids, spider mites, thrips
Diseases
Verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, tobacco mosaic virus