How to grow Aubergines

Aubergines, also known as egg plants, belong to the same group of plants as potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. They originate from India and like tomatoes and peppers they are tender and best grown in a greenhouse or polytunnel rather than direct in the allotment.

Sow aubergine seeds

Aubergines can be sown from January to April but they need a long growing season so it’s best to start early if you can.

Sow one or two seeds per module (I use a six module tray) in a good quality seed or general purpose compost and place in a heated propagator, a temperature of about 21 degrees centigrade is required for germination. Once germinated remove from the propagator and keep on a warm, sunny window sill. Thin to one seedling per cell. When the seedlings are big enough to handle and the roots are showing at the bottom of the pot, move on to a 7.5 cm pot and continue to keep in a warm, light place.

If a propagator is not available start seeds in a small pot covered with a plastic bag secured with an elastic band and place in a warm sunny window. Remove the bag once germination has taken place and continue as above.

Grow aubergines

Continue to pot on as the roots outgrow the pots. Move into the greenhouse in early May in 25 cm pots of compost or two plants per grow bag. Stake as necessary. Pinch out the growing tip when the plants are between 30 cms and 45 cms tall.

Water regularly, not allowing the compost to completely dry out and feed with a tomatoes feed every two weeks once the first fruit appears.

For normal sized aubergines like Moneymaker and Black Beauty allowing a maximum of six fruits per plants is often recommended, but I usually allow only four. The more fruits there are the less chance that they will reach maturity and ripen fully. Remove excess flowers to avoid this. For miniature varieties many more fruits can be allowed.

Harvest aubergines

Harvest from July to September. When aubergines reach about 15 cms long and are black and glossy skinned they are ready to pick.

Aubergine problems

Greenfly is a sap-sucking aphid that is a common problem. Serious infestations weaken the plants and reduce yield. Greenfly multiply rapidly so keep an eye open for them and act promptly. Squeeze between finger and thumb to eradicate them, spray with soapy water if this is not effective. Other organic sprays are available.

Whitefly are a tiny fly that also weakens the plant by sucking sap. They can be caught on sticky fly strips. Organic products are available to treat both whitefly and aphids.

Red spider mite is a sap sucking mite that weakens plants causing leaves to become mottled, lose their colour and drop from the plant. Leaves will also be covered in web. They like hot, dry conditions, so misting plants regularly can reduce the possibility of infection. Remove affected leaves and burn or bag to avoid spread. Biological and organic remedies are available.