The aubergine is a member of the potato family. Native to India, it is commonly known as Eggplant and is widely used in cooking. It is a delicate perennial and as such is often grown as an annual. Here is a short guide on how to grow aubergines from seed and some varieties to try.
Aubergines must be grown in a warm, sheltered spot to guarantee a good crop. So although they can be grown outside in warm climates, they are best grown in a greenhouse. Firstly, fill smallish pots with seed compost and firm down. Space around six seeds evenly on the surface of the compost and cover with a thin layer of vermiculite. Place the pots in a heated propagator or cover with cling film and place on a sunny window sill to germinate. Keep the compost moist while the seeds are germinating. The seeds should take two to three weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings reach around 6cm in height, prick them out into individual pots. Make sure you handle the seedling by its leaves as the stems can be quite delicate. Feed the seedlings with a general purpose feed about once a week. The seedlings will need re-potting once the roots begin to appear from the bottom of the pot. Keep on re-potting until the plant is in a pot about 30cm in diameter. It is best to grow aubergine plants in individual pots rather than grow bags.
When the plant gets to about 30cm tall, nip out the tip of the plant to encourage it to branch out. Feeding the plant weekly with tomato food at this state will encourage it to produce a lot of flowers from which the fruits are formed. Aubergines are not self-pollinating and so will need a helping hand if they are to produce fruit. Gently tap the flowers to release the pollen or alternatively open the greenhouse windows to encourage bees in to pollinate the flowers. Harvest the fruits while they are still shiny. Fruits that have a dull appearance suggest that they have gone past their best and have started to go to seed.
Aubergine 'Pinstripe' has small oval shaped fruits that are purple with creamy white stripes.' Bonica' is an early cropping variety with oval fruits that are deep purple to black in colour. 'Falcon' produces good quality fruits on a compact plant. Best grown under glass, its fruits have a satin sheen and dark purple coloured skin. 'Pot Black' is a heavy cropping variety with almost black fruit on compact plants which makes it an excellent variety for growing in garden planters situated in a warm sheltered position.
Jo Poultney is one of two people behind Garden Planters. I have an RHS general certificate in horticulture. Garden Planters source unusual outdoor and indoor planters, and other garden related gifts - whatever your taste, be it traditional, modern or just a bit quirky, we will have something for you. I believe garden planters are an integral part of any garden - they enhance the overall design and say a little something about the person to whom the garden belongs. If you would like to know more about Garden Planters, visit our website at http://www.gardenplantersshop.co.uk
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