Despite its name, the gold egg tree isn’t a tree but the frequent name for its “Ovigerum” number of decorative eggplant (Solanum melongena “Ovigerum”). Its name comes from the resemblance of its fruit to gold chicken eggs. Increasing this plant in your backyard benefits you with a colorful, ornamental accent.
Growing Conditions
Golden egg trees are tropical and need full sun and warmth for best growth. This plant grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10, and it will best when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Rich, acidic soil with a pH between 5.1 and 6.0 ensure your decorative golden egg tree eggplant will thrive.
Blooms
The blooms on a gold egg tree are small, purple blooms. Flowers appear from the conclusion of the spring through summer. In a few days of blooming, the flowers will transform to round, white, immature fruit.
Size and Fruit
The gold egg tree never attains the height of a tree, but when fully grown, the plant attains up to 36 inches tall. You’ll normally get 10 to 20 gold eggs on a typical plant, but a gold egg tree might grow up to 50 fruits.
Harvest
Harvesting happens about 75 days after transplanting a golden egg tree outdoors. The fruits will turn yellow when they are ready for picking, and you can prepare them by peeling and cooking them or by eating them raw, like other eggplants.
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