Taking care of your plants

Overview

Aubergine is a tender, heat-loving plant that produces glossy purple fruits through summer. Best grown in a greenhouse or a warm, sheltered patio position, it thrives in full sun with regular watering and feeding once flowers appear. Harvest when fruits are firm and shiny for the best flavour. Ideal for grilling, roasting, curries and Mediterranean dishes such as ratatouille or baba ganoush.

• Vegetable Type: Aubergine
• Key Characteristic: Reliable crop suited to UK gardens with good flavour and productivity.
• Hardiness: (tender annual) – protect young plants from frost.

PLANTING ADVICE

Plant in rich, well-drained compost. Best grown in large pots or grow bags in a greenhouse or sunny patio spot. Can be planted in the ground in a very warm, sheltered position.

• Outdoor cultivation

Grow outdoors only in a warm, sheltered, frost-free position from late spring to early autumn. Protect from cold nights.

• Greenhouse cultivation

Well suited to greenhouse cultivation. Maintain warmth, ventilation and regular feeding for best yields.

CARE & HARVEST

Keep soil moist and weed free. Feed weekly once flowers appear using a high-potash fertiliser. Remove any damaged leaves to improve airflow and check plants regularly for pests. Harvest fruits promptly to encourage further cropping.

• Watering: Water regularly and consistently, keeping compost moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting plants dry out during flowering and fruiting as this can reduce yields.
• Feeding: Feed weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser once flowering begins to support fruit production.
• Cutting and prunning: Pinch out growing tips once plants are established to encourage bushier growth.
• Harvesting: Harvest when skins are glossy and firm. Dull skins usually indicate over-mature fruit.
• Pest and diseases: Check regularly for aphids and red spider mite, especially under glass.

Verve recommends...

• Pinch out the first flowers to help young plants build strength before heavy fruiting.