Can I grow aubergines outdoors in the UK?

Marginally and only in southern England in a sheltered south-facing position, ideally in a black or dark pot that holds heat. Outdoor crops in the south of England give 2–4 fruit per plant in a good summer; in cool years, fewer or none. North of the Midlands, outdoor aubergines essentially don't ripen. Grow under cover.

When should I sow aubergine seeds?

Late February to mid-March in a heated propagator. Earlier (January) gives leggy plants by planting-out time; later (April) leaves too little growing season for fruit to ripen. Aubergines need 22–26 weeks from sowing to first ripe fruit; the maths require an early start.

Why are my aubergine flowers dropping without setting?

Water stress, cold, or low humidity. Aubergines drop flowers if they get dry, if the temperature falls below 18°C consistently, or in very dry air under glass. Water more consistently (mulch helps), keep night temperatures above 15°C, and mist plants in dry weather. Stable conditions are the key.

What variety of aubergine grows best in the UK?

Moneymaker is the UK long-running classic — reliable, productive, classic shape. Bonica F1 is an early-cropping modern alternative. Black Beauty is the standard large dark fruit. For containers, Pinstripe is compact and ornamental. Slim Japanese cultivars (Long Tom, Kermit) crop well in cooler greenhouses.

When can I pick aubergines?

From mid-July under glass; mid-August outdoors in southern England. Pick when fruit reaches full size, full colour, and shiny taut skin. Press gently — slight give means ripe. The first fruit usually ripens 18–20 weeks after sowing. Pick the lower fruit first; the plant keeps setting from the top.

How do I store aubergines?

Fresh: 4–7 days in a cool place (not the fridge — they suffer chill damage below 10°C). For longer storage, slice, salt, drain, then freeze in single layers; or roast, peel and freeze in batches; or make caponata. Aubergines don't dry well and don't pickle in interesting ways.

Berenjena

Solanum melongena

Siembra las semillas de berenjena en interior desde finales de febrero hasta mediados de marzo en un semillero con calefacción. Las berenjenas son sensibles a las heladas (RHS H1c) y necesitan un calor constante por encima de los 18 °C para florecer y dar fruto; por lo tanto, es imprescindible disponer de un invernadero, un túnel de plástico o un jardín de invierno para obtener una cosecha fiable en el Reino Unido. Elige híbridos F1 seleccionados para climas más fríos: Moneymaker (el clásico del Reino Unido), Bonica F1 (temprana y de gran rendimiento) y Black Beauty (fruto grande y oscuro). Poda la punta de crecimiento a los 30 cm para favorecer la ramificación. Una planta sana produce entre 5 y 8 frutos entre julio y octubre. Recógelas cuando estén brillantes y firmes: los frutos demasiado maduros pierden brillo y se vuelven amargos. La araña roja es el principal problema en los cultivos bajo cristal; la alta humedad y las inspecciones semanales son la mejor defensa. No intentes cultivarlas al aire libre en el Reino Unido, salvo en la cálida y protegida costa sur.

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