Aubergines

What are Aubergines?

An aubergine is normally a dark purple or brownish – purple colour. This is a plant that is native to Asia and is also known in many places as an eggplant.

How do you grow Aubergines?

Seeds should first be planted in either a heated greenhouse or a propagator, as these will germinate after about 2 weeks but may sprout irregularly. When the first true leaves starts to appear then they need to be transplanted. Aubergines should be planted in mid – late spring and set about 4- 8 inches apart.

When planting them outside, you need to cover the soil with black plastic that has cot slits in it for the plant to grow through. This should be put into the sunniest spot that is also sheltered for the aubergines to grow through.

If you don’t want to grow your aubergines in your garden then you will be able to grow them in pots and containers, these will need to be put in a sunny spot and filled with compost. By planting them in containers it will make it easier to move when there’s a cold spell, compared to when they are planted in the garden, as you will need to cover these in compost or in mulch.

Aubergines will need to be staked as they grow bigger, as they can grow up to 12 inches.

Whens the best time to harvest Aubergines?

When they reach the size that you want them you can harvest them, they will be firm and have a shiny coloured skin, if yours are dull then they may be woody and bitter. When harvesting your aubergines you should wear gloves as many aubergine plants have spikes on their stems. These should be cut off with about 1 inch of your stem.

Black Beauty; this gives purple coloured aubergines and has medium sized fruits.
Fairy Tale; this is a purple and white striped variety.
Moneymaker; this is heavy yielding, that is a purple colour.
Pingtung Long; this has long narrow lavender fruits and copes well with heat.
Rosa Blance; this has a mild flavour and gives round rosy pink coloured fruits with white streaks.