Aubergines
Exotic and elegant, aubergines (eggplants) are a challenge but deeply rewarding in the UK. They demand consistent warmth, making a greenhouse or polytunnel essential for success.
Aubergines seeds
£2.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
Late February – March, indoors in warmth (20-25°C is crucial for germination)
Plant out
Late May – early June, after all risk of frost has passed, into a greenhouse or warm sheltered spot.
Harvest
August – October
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day
Water
Keep compost consistently moist, never allowing it to dry out. Water daily in hot weather.
Soil
Rich, free-draining, pH 6.0–6.8
Spacing
60cm between plants
Containers
Require large containers (min. 30cm diameter) or grow bags.
Indoors
Strictly greenhouse or conservatory crop in the UK, only very sheltered, sunny sites in the mildest areas may yield outdoors.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Once flowers appear and fruits begin to set, feed weekly with a high-potash tomato feed.
Pruning
Pinch out the growing tip when plants are about 30cm tall to encourage bushiness. Remove the first few flowers if the plant seems weak. Limit to 3-5 fruits per plant for larger fruits.
Harvesting
Pick when the skin is glossy and firm to the touch. If left too long, they can become bitter. Snip with secateurs.
Storage
Store in the fridge for up to a week. Best eaten fresh.
Good companions: Beans, Peppers, Spinach, French marigold