Aubergine Growing Guide
Growing aubergine – or eggplant as our American and Australian friends call them – is one of the best things you can do in your garden. Simple to sow, plant, and harvest, aubergines will present even novice gardeners with few problems if the necessary care is given.
Introduction
Growing aubergine – or eggplant as it’s called in the US and Australia – is a rewarding project for any garden. Simple to sow, plant, and harvest, aubergines are relatively low-maintenance if given proper care.
Aubergine is technically a fruit, native to Southeast Asia, and comes in many shapes and sizes. With a zesty flavour and deep purple colour, it’s popular worldwide, appearing in dishes from baba ganoush to curries. Beyond taste, aubergines offer nutritional benefits including:
- Great source of antioxidants
- Helps manage and control blood sugar
- Can support cholesterol management
- Assists with weight management
- Contributes to overall health
Quick facts about growing aubergines
How to grow aubergines?Sow seeds indoors early in the year and plant out in spring. They require basic care and are ready to harvest in late summer.
How tall do aubergine plants grow?Up to around 90cm under ideal conditions.
Can you grow aubergines in the UK?Yes, though they prefer warmer climates. Protect from frost and cold temperatures by timing planting correctly.
Can I grow aubergines in pots?Yes. Start in pots or modules indoors, then move to larger pots or ground once seedlings are established.
When to grow aubergines
Sow between January and April indoors. For outdoor planting, wait until March-April so the frost has passed. Transplant outdoors between May and June for a harvest from July to October.
How to sow aubergines
Use seed compost, pots or modules. Sow indoors in January (polytunnel) or early March (outdoor). Cover seeds lightly with compost and water. Seedlings appear in 10–14 days, then transfer individually to 9cm pots.
When to plant out aubergines
Transplant when roots outgrow 9cm pots, either into 23cm pots or directly into the ground. Choose the warmest, sunniest spots. A polytunnel can help provide optimal conditions.
- Warm the soil with a cloche or polytunnel at least two weeks before planting, after the last frost.
- Plant aubergines 60cm apart and water well.
- Cover young plants with a cloche or fleece for two weeks to acclimatise them.
Plant care for your aubergines
For a successful harvest, provide the following care:
- Water regularly and apply high-potassium liquid fertiliser fortnightly once the first fruits appear.
- Use stakes to support taller plants.
- Pinch out the main stem tip at 30cm height to encourage side shoots and more fruit.
Watch for external threats:
Red spider mites: Eat plant sap, leaving mottled leaves. Prevent by misting twice daily.
Blossom end rot: Caused by calcium deficiency; appears as dark spots on fruits. Water regularly before fertilising to prevent.
Thrips: Small pests that damage leaves. Increase humidity, mist with tepid water, and remove dead leaves to control them.
When to harvest aubergine
Harvest when fruits have glossy, firm skin (July–October). Cut the stem just above the calyx, clean with fresh water, and store in a fridge or cool place for up to six days. Aubergines can also be frozen for around six months.
Start growing your aubergine in a polytunnel today
Polytunnels provide the warmth and humidity aubergines need to thrive. Explore Premier Polytunnels for your garden. For advice, call 01282 811250 or email info@premierpolytunnels.co.uk. Check out our blogs for more growing advice and tips.
