Aubergines - Egg Plant - Native of tropical Asia

Aubergines

Also known as the egg plant native of tropical Asia and for this reason, if growing in the UK it is best to grow in a green house, though you may have success growing outdoors if planted against south facing wall during long hot summers. A sunny patio will also provide reasonable conditions, you can either plant in pots or in compost bags.


If planting in a greenhouse plant in 7in pots or in the border. Aubergines require well drained soil, liberally dressed with manure.


How many should you grow?

In a greenhouse you will need to place pots approx 18in apart, the same space is required for plants planted outside in a greenhouse you may expect around 12 fruits per plant whilst planted outdoors in the UK you can only expect upto 4 fruits.

How to Grow

In the UK sow aubergines in seed compost in February, the temp required is 18C 64F so sow in a propagator or close to heat source in greenhouse.


When large enough to handle prick out and plant in 3in pots and grow on in temp around 16C 61F. If you are growing these plants indoors transfer to 7 in pots when they are 4-6in high. Harden off outdoor plants during May and plant out end May. For growing on a patio plant in 7in pots.

Pinching Out

When plants are about 9in high, pinch out their tops to encourage them to bush out.

For Indoor plants allow up to 3 fruits to form on each of the lateral branches. For outdoors plants pinch out the tips of each branch once a fruit has formed, leaving 3 leaves beyond the fruit.

Whether indoor or outdoor, remove side shoots that form on laterals.

Water generously and give weekly feed of liquid manure when fruits are visable.

To keep down red spider mite spray plants reguarly with water.