Aubergine Growing Guide
Aubergines are tender plants that require significant warmth to produce successful crops. They are botanically related to tomatoes and peppers and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, from dark purple to white or green. They can be grown from seed indoors or purchased as young plants, thriving in containers, grow bags, or directly in the ground.
This guidance applies to the crop in general. Individual varieties and local conditions can differ.
Planting information
Sow aubergine seeds indoors from February onwards. For heated greenhouses, sowing can begin in January. For outdoor growing, delay sowing until early March. Seeds require at least 21°C (70°F) to germinate, ideally in a heated propagator or warm indoor location like an airing cupboard. Once germinated, move seedlings to a warm, bright windowsill and maintain a temperature of 16–18°C (60–64°F) with regular watering. After developing their first set of true leaves, prick out seedlings and transfer them to individual 7.5cm (3in) pots or modules. Plant young aubergine plants into their final growing position: in April for heated greenhouses, early May for unheated greenhouses, and late May/early June for outdoors (after hardening off). Plant them at the same depth they were growing in their pot and insert canes for support. For outdoor planting, choose a warm, sheltered, sunny spot (e.g., by a south-facing wall) and cover with cloches or fleece for a couple of weeks. For containers, use a pot at least 30cm (1ft) in diameter with peat-free multi-purpose compost, planting one aubergine per pot or two in a standard grow bag. When planting into the ground, warm the soil with cloches two weeks prior and enrich with plenty of garden compost.
Harvesting information
Begin harvesting aubergines from August onwards. Pick individual fruits when they are full-sized, ripe, well-colored, and have a glossy skin. A dull skin indicates over-ripeness, which may result in a bitter taste. Harvest fruits regularly to encourage continuous production. Be cautious of small spines on some plants during harvesting.