Aubergine
Solanum melongena
With their glossy, jewel-like fruit in shades of deep purple, white, and striped, aubergines are among the most ornamental vegetables you can grow. In the British climate they are best in a greenhouse or polytunnel, though a very warm, sheltered spot outdoors can work in a good summer.
SowingStart indoors
Sunlight☀️ Full sun
Water💧💧 Moderate
Days to harvest80–100
Soil pH5.5–6.8
Spacing50cm × 60cm
Planting Calendar
🌏 Adjusted for southern hemisphere seasons.
Sow indoorsSow outdoorsTransplantHarvest
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Heat Requirements
Aubergines need warmth at every stage. Sow in a heated propagator at 21–24°C from February to April. Grow on in the warmest possible position — a heated greenhouse is ideal, though an unheated polytunnel works well in most British summers.Pinching Out
Pinch out the growing tip when plants are 30–40cm tall to encourage bushy growth. Support with a cane. Limit each plant to 5–6 fruits for the best size and quality.Feeding
Feed weekly with a high-potash organic liquid feed once the first flowers open.Soil: Rich, free-draining soil with generous organic matter. Best in containers or grow-bags in a greenhouse.