How to Sow and Grow Aubergines

Aubergines – those glossy, deep purple beauties – might seem like a vegetable reserved for sunny climates, but with a little patience and a few simple tips, you can successfully grow aubergines in the UK too. Although the British weather can be a challenge for warm-loving crops, growing aubergines is more than possible, and the reward is definitely worth it. Here’s how to sow, grow, and harvest your own aubergines, from seed to plate.

Start Early: Sowing Aubergines Indoors

Aubergines love warmth and a long growing season, so the first thing to know is that they need a head start indoors. In the UK, you’ll want to sow your aubergine seeds about 8–10 weeks before your last frost date. Typically, this will be around late February to early March.

What you’ll need:

• Aubergine seeds (choose a variety suited to our climate, such as Black Beauty)
• Seed trays or small pots
• Good-quality compost (preferably a mix that retains moisture but drains well)
• A warm, bright spot (a south-facing windowsill, heated propagator, or greenhouse works wonders)

How to sow:

1. Fill your seed trays or pots with compost, leaving about 1cm of space at the top.
2. Place the aubergine seeds on the surface of the compost, spacing them a few centimetres apart.
3. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite.
4. Water gently and keep the compost moist but not soggy.
5. Place the seeds in a warm, bright spot. The ideal temperature for germination is around 20-25°C. A heated propagator is perfect if you have one, but if not, a warm spot inside your home should work fine.

You should start to see tiny seedlings emerging after 7-14 days, depending on the conditions. As they grow, ensure they get plenty of light to avoid leggy growth. If they start getting too tall, you may need to supplement with a grow light.

The Importance of Hardening Off

Once your aubergine seedlings have grown large enough to handle (typically after 6-8 weeks), it’s time to harden them off before they are introduced to the outdoors. This means gradually acclimatising them to the cooler temperatures and the outdoors.

How to harden off:

• Start by placing the seedlings outside for a few hours each day, in a sheltered spot, gradually increasing the time spent outdoors over the course of 7-10 days.
• Be sure to bring them back inside each night to avoid frost damage.

Planting Out: Choose the Right Spot

Once the last frost has passed and your aubergines are accustomed to the outdoor conditions (usually around late May or early June), it’s time to plant them out. Aubergines need warmth and sun to thrive, so choosing the right spot in your garden is key.

What you’ll need:

• A sunny, sheltered spot (a south-facing garden or greenhouse is ideal)
• Rich, well-draining soil (if your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider growing in raised beds or containers)
• Compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility

How to plant:

1. Prepare the soil by digging in some compost or organic matter to ensure it’s fertile and well-drained.
2. Space your aubergine plants about 45cm apart to allow for their sprawling growth.
3. Dig a hole that’s just deep enough to accommodate the root ball of each plant, and gently place the seedling in the hole.
4. Water well and give the plant a good mulch to help retain moisture.

If you’re growing aubergines in pots or containers, ensure the containers are at least 30cm deep to allow for root growth, and use a well-draining compost mix.

Nurture Your Aubergines: Care and Maintenance

Aubergines are fairly low-maintenance, but they do need a little attention to help them thrive.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Aubergines have deep roots and need regular watering, especially in warm weather. If you’re growing them in pots, they’ll need watering more frequently.
• Feeding: Feed your plants with a high-potash liquid fertiliser, such as tomato feed, every couple of weeks once they start to flower. Aubergines, like tomatoes, are heavy feeders, so a boost of nutrients will encourage strong growth and fruiting.

Support: As aubergines grow, they can become top-heavy, especially when they start to fruit. Consider staking your plants with bamboo canes or tomato supports to keep them upright.

Harvesting Your Aubergines

Aubergines are usually ready to harvest in late summer to early autumn (around August to September), but this depends on the variety and growing conditions. You’ll know they’re ready when the skin is shiny and firm, and when you press your finger into the fruit, it should spring back.

To harvest, use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a small bit of stem attached.

Troubleshooting: Common Aubergine Problems

• Pests: Aphids, whitefly, and slugs can be a problem. If you’re growing in a greenhouse, encourage natural predators like ladybirds. Outdoors, try using slug traps or barriers to keep them at bay.
• Diseases: Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, especially in damp conditions. Ensure your plants are spaced well apart and that air circulation is good to prevent this.
• Poor Fruit Set: If you’re not getting fruit, it could be due to insufficient warmth or poor pollination. Try moving the plants to a sunnier spot or assist with pollination.

Growing aubergines in the UK might take a little extra care, but the reward of homegrown, rich, and tender aubergines makes it all worthwhile. With a bit of early preparation and a sunny spot, you’ll be enjoying your own homegrown aubergines before you know it! Happy growing!

Video – How to Sow and Grow Aubergines