From 1902, Black Beauty remains a standard worldwide for large-fruited black eggplant.
Over 100-years-old, this was an immediate hit because the plants ripened perfect fruits dramatically earlier than other varieties. It became the common market eggplant of today. Harvested fresh, however, makes all the difference.
Life Cycle: Annual
Sun: Full Sun
Thin: 24" Apart
Days To Maturity: 74 Days
Fruit Size: 4-5"
Spread: 16" Wide
Height: 18 - 24" Tall
Transplant: April 11 - May 27 in Zone 7
Planting in the Garden
Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic soil. Make sure you did not grow tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, or potatoes in the bed the previous year to avoid disease problems.
Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8". Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.
Eggplants should be set 2 - 3' apart in a row with the rows spaced 3 - 4' apart.
Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball. 
Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root development. 
Fill the planting hole with soil to the top and press soil down firmly with your hand, leaving a slight depression around the plant to hold water. 
Use a plant marker. This is particularly important if you are trying different varieties. It is very difficult to tell which variety is which from the foliage.  
Water thoroughly, so that a puddle forms in the saucer you have created. This settles the plants in, drives out air pockets, and results in good root-to-soil contact.
Eggplants may also be planted in containers. Use a container at least 18 - 24" wide and deep and use a commercial potting mix rather than garden soil.
How to Grow
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space, & nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. 
Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. This is especially important for tomatoes as their roots may be easily damaged when weeding, & this can lead to blossom end rot.
Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1-2" of rain/wk. during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It's best to water w/ a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water w/ overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Monitor for pests & diseases. Check w/ your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
Harvesting and Preserving Tips
Pick regular-sized eggplants at 4 - 5" long, 60 - 70 days after transplanting into the garden. Look for firm fruits, with a glossy shine. Dull skin is a sign that the plants are overripe. Overripe fruit turn brownish and the flavor may be bitter.
Hold firmly at the blossom end and cut with a knife or pruners. When cutting the fruit, leave 1" of stem attached. Eggplants are prickly at the stem end, so handle with care.
Use eggplants immediately after harvesting. If you would like to freeze some for later use, cook the fruit first and then freeze.
Eggplant makes a great substitute for meat in many dishes.
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