How to Grow
Aubergines

When to sow:

January - April (indoors).

When to plant out:

May - June.

When to harvest:

July to October, depending on cultivar.

Aubergines come in a range of sizes, shapes and colours. Choose between pear, egg and ball-like fruit in deep purple, pink, white or pink-flecked shades. The stems of some plants are very spiny, others less so, making them easier to pick. Growers can plant early varieties or later cropping cultivars. Aubergines generally love full sun but some can be grown in partial shade.

Standard forms of aubergines are between 60 and 75cm (24 – 30in) high while compact cultivars are a better choice for smaller spaces. Grafted aubergines, on which the stems of one plant are attached to the roots of another, are a little pricier but produce higher yields and faster harvests and have greater resistance to diseases such as mildew and nutritional disorders.

Aubergines can be grown from seed in warm environments. At least 18°C is needed for germination, so a heated greenhouse or propagator, an airing cupboard or a sunny windowsill in a warm room are essential. A great alternative is to buy aubergine plants when the weather has warmed up.

1. Sow aubergine seeds from February to April, or from January if they’ll be growing in a heated greenhouse. Don’t start plants that will be growing outdoors until March. Sow individually in 9cm (4in) pots or cell trays, or sparingly in seed trays. Place seeds onto pre-watered compost and cover with 1cm (1/2 in) of sieved compost or vermiculite.
2. Cover with cling film or clear plastic.
3. Place in a warm spot, ideally between 18 and 21°C (65 - 70°F).
4. Remove the covering once the seeds have germinated and keep the compost moist. Make sure those germinated in the airing cupboard are moved to a warm, light place.
5. If growing in seed trays or cell trays, prick out seedlings when they reach 5cm (2in) and place in a 9cm pot filled with good quality compost.
6. Grow on at 15 - 18°C (60 - 65°F) until late May to June.
7. Prepare plants due to be grown outside by hardening them off (placing them outside when conditions are suitable) for two weeks before their final move. Warm the soil with a cloche during this time.
8. Plant in final growing position between late May to June. Make sure all risk of frost has passed if growing outside. Plant in a large pot, at least 20cm (8in), in a sheltered sunny spot or in a greenhouse. If growing in a growbag or greenhouse bed, or in the ground in particularly warm parts of the UK, space plants 45cm (18in) apart. Outdoor-grown plants may benefit from a cloche to keep them warm early on.

Encourage plants to produce fruit on their lateral branches rather than from their central stem. Encourage side shoots on standard-sized cultivars by removing the growing tip when the plant reaches around 30cm (1ft). Restrict the number of aubergines on larger-fruited cultivars to five or six by pinching out the smallest ones and any new flowers. Use a cane and plant ties to stake taller plants.