Aubergine (Solanum melongera)
A staple in Mediterranean cooking, and now available in a wealth of sizes and colours, augergines require much the same conditions as tomatoes but warmer. To do well oustide, they need a long, hot summer and deep, fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny sheltered position.
| Soil | |
|---|---|
| Stony |  |
| Light |  |
| Loamy | |
| Heavy |  |
| pH | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Manure | |
| Previous crop | |
| Previous autumn | |
| Before planting | |
| Position | |
| Full sun | |
| Partial shade | |
| Shade | |
| Exposure | |
| Open | |
| Sheltered | |
Seed
sow indoors
Sow seeds thinly, cover lightly and germinate at 21-30°ree;C
prick out
Prick out when seedlings are 5cm tall and grow on at 16-18°ree;C. Harden off two weeks before transplanting.
plant
Between plants: 60cm Between rows: 75cm
Transplant when flowers appear. When plants are about 30cm high, pinch out tops to encourage branching.\n\nRestrict to around five fruits for larger varieties to ensure they fill out.
harvest
Cut off fruit while skin is glossy.
