Type
Japanese eggplant
Eggplant variety
Ichiban Eggplant
A popular long slender type that matures earlier than many globe eggplants. Fruit is tender and excellent for quick cooking.
Days to maturity
60 to 70
Best for
grilling, stir-fry
About Ichiban
Ichiban is a Japanese type hybrid with long, slender, dark purple fruits and a mild, tender texture. It is notably early and productive, with fruit that stays smooth and attractive even at a useful kitchen size.
Growing Ichiban Eggplant
This variety performs best with steady warmth and regular picking, which encourages more long fruits to set. Thin staking helps keep fruit straight and clean, and the best harvest cue is glossy skin on fruits around finger to forearm length, not oversized fruit.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all eggplant, see the complete guide.
How to grow EggplantOther eggplant varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.