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Have cracking success with eggplants

The trendy aubergine is not tricky to grow, according to Andrew Tokely, and there are many different colours and shapes to choose from

If you have never thought of growing aubergines but have successfully grown tomatoes or peppers, then you should give this sub-tropical vegetable a try. All three of these vegetables require similar growing conditions and will happily grow together in the same greenhouse.
I like growing aubergines both in the greenhouse and on the patio outside where they can make attractive feature plants as well as making tasty and useful vegetables to eat.
Aubergines originally produced unusual egg shaped fruits, giving them their common name, the eggplant.
When you visit any local supermarket you will only find the common dark purplish black fruits for sale, but growing your own will offer you more choice. Many seed catalogues offer a wide range of colours to choose from including white, purple and even striped fruits. There is also a wide range of shapes and sizes, ranging from the traditional egg shape to round, baby fruited types as well as those with intriguing long, thin sausage-shaped fruits.

Cooking with aubergines

As well as looking attractive aubergines can be used in many different ways in the kitchen. A quick meal can be made from stuffed, grilled or stir-fried aubergines, as well being one of the essential ingredients for making traditional ratatouille or a tasty moussaka. Turn to page 88 for some delicious recipes.
Whether you decide to grow in a greenhouse, polytunnel or in containers on the patio, you will soon discover that eggplants are a lot easier to grow than you think.

Sowing diary

Aubergines need a long growing period to ensure you have succulent ripe fruits ready to harvest by late summer. Often they will germinate well then appear to sit still for a long time before they get moving. Although the top growth may not be growing, they will be making roots, which are essential for a strong and healthy plant. Once the young plants have built up a sufficient root system, you will soon notice more top growth. Because they are quite slow-growing it is important to start sowing the seed as early as you can.

Late January – mid February
If you are planning to grow aubergines in a heated glasshouse, seeds can be sown at this early time of the year. These should be sown in a heated propagator with a minimum temperature of 18-21C (64-70F). Seedlings will germinate in approximately 10-15 days.

Late February – mid March
Sowings made at this time of year still need to be made in a heated propagator, or on a warm windowsill indoors. Seedlings will germinate a little quicker as the days are getting longer. These sowings are ideal for plants that are intended for growing in a cold glasshouse, polytunnel, or in containers on the patio outdoors.

Early April
Sowings can be made at this time of year (still with some heat) if you want to try one of the early, small fruiting types like 'Baby Rosanna F1' or 'Calliope F1' for planting outside on an allotment. These will make shorter plants but are quicker growing and can be planted outside in June once all risk of frost has passed. Plants may need some cloche protection once planted to get them going.

Mid April – May
If you don’t have the correct growing conditions early in the year for germinating seeds, but would still like to give aubergines a try, all is not lost. Many garden centres as well as mail order companies sell ready grown young plants ideal for planting out during these months.

 

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