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.

Aubergine

Solanum melongena

Zaai auberginezaadjes van eind februari tot half maart binnenshuis in een verwarmde kweekbak. Aubergines zijn vorstgevoelig (RHS H1c) en hebben een constante temperatuur van meer dan 18 °C nodig om te bloeien en vruchten te vormen — een kas, folietunnel of serre is onmisbaar voor een betrouwbare oogst in het Verenigd Koninkrijk. Kies F1-hybriden die zijn gekweekt voor koelere klimaten: Moneymaker (de Britse klassieker), Bonica F1 (vroege, rijke opbrengst), Black Beauty (grote donkere vruchten). Knijp de groeipunt af bij 30 cm om vertakking te stimuleren. Eén gezonde plant levert 5–8 vruchten op van juli tot oktober. Pluk wanneer de vruchten glanzend en stevig zijn — overrijpe vruchten worden dof en bitter. De rode spintmijt is het grootste probleem onder glas; hoge luchtvochtigheid en wekelijkse inspectie zijn de verdediging. Probeer dit niet buiten in het Verenigd Koninkrijk, behalve aan de warme, beschutte zuidkust.

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