Grow in a greenhouse
Aubergines are best grown in good fertile soil, with a healthy dose of sunshine, ideally in a greenhouse, conservatory or polytunnel.
Perfect for pots, grow bags & beds
Medium pots (approx 30cm deep) and grow bags (3 to a bag) are ideal, or grow them in raised beds with plenty of compost.
How far apart?
About 50cm between plants.
Give them support
When you plant your aubergines, pop in a bamboo cane for support and tie the plant on loosely at the stem.
Pinch out growing tips
Once the plant reaches 40cm height, pinch out the growing tips (this literally means to pinch off the very top part of the plant with your fingers). This will prevent it from growing further upwards and instead it will create a more compact, bushy plant.
Pinch off excess flowers
When it flowers, it’s a good idea to pinch off flowers to just leave 5 or 6 – this gives the fruits a better chance of growing to a good size.
Water & feed regularly
Keep aubergines well watered so that the soil remains consistently moist. Once the flowers & fruits start to develop, give them a good feed fortnightly – try our liquid feed.
When to harvest
Pick your aubergines when they’ve reached their full size, usually in late summer/early autumn. The skin should be shiny and they should give a little when squeezed. Cut them off carefully at the stem using a knife or secateurs.