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 / eggplant

Solanum melongena

vegetable☀️ full-sun🪴 rich loam📏 medium🌡️ RHS H1c

📋Quick Facts

Height

0.8-1.0m

Spread

0.5-0.6m

Water

💧💧 Average watering

Hardiness

Zone 9-12

About

Sow aubergine seed indoors from late February to mid-March in a heated propagator. Aubergines are frost-tender (RHS H1c) and want consistent warmth above 18°C to flower and fruit — a greenhouse, polytunnel or conservatory is essential for reliable UK cropping. Choose F1 hybrids bred for cooler climates: Moneymaker (the UK classic), Bonica F1 (early, heavy cropper), Black Beauty (large dark fruit). Pinch out the growing tip at 30 cm to encourage branching. One healthy plant gives 5–8 fruit through July to October. Pick when shiny and firm — overripe fruit goes dull and bitter. Red spider mite is the main problem under glass; high humidity and weekly inspection are the defence. Don't try outdoors in UK except a hot sheltered south coast.

Top tip

Thrives in greenhouses or very warm spots; stake and feed regularly, and harvest fruits glossy and firm.

Also known as: Melanzana, Solanum melongena, Aubergine, Berenjena, Beringela, Bakłażan / oberżyna, Aubergine / eggplant, eggplant

How to grow aubergine / eggplant

1
Sow indoors with bottom heat
Late February to mid-March in a heated propagator at 21–25°C. Aubergines need 22–26 weeks from sowing to first ripe fruit; an early start is essential. Sow 2 seeds per 9 cm pot, 5 mm deep; thin to the strongest after germination.
2
Choose UK-suited F1 hybrids
Moneymaker (the long-running UK classic, reliable), Bonica F1 (early, heavy cropper), Black Beauty (large dark glossy fruit), Pinstripe (slim purple-and-white striped, ornamental as well as edible). Skip heritage cultivars from warmer climates.
3
Pot on as they grow
9 cm → 1-litre → 5-litre or 7.5-litre final pot. Move on as soon as roots fill each container; aubergines check growth badly if root-bound. Pot on into rich peat-free compost with added grit for drainage.
4
Plant in final position by late May
Greenhouse border, polytunnel, or in 7.5-litre containers in the warmest greenhouse spot. Outdoor only in southern England in a south-facing sheltered position from June. Stake plants — they grow heavy and can topple.
5
Pinch out for branching
At 30 cm, pinch out the growing tip to force side branches. After fruit starts to set, limit each plant to 4–6 developing fruit; remove later flowers to concentrate the plant's energy.
6
Feed and water
High-potash weekly liquid feed from first flowers. Consistent watering — aubergines drop flowers under water stress. Mulch the soil surface to hold moisture. Spray foliage with water on hot days to discourage red spider mite.
7
Watch for red spider mite
The main greenhouse aubergine pest. Tiny mites suck sap; leaves go mottled then bronzed. Misting daily, ventilating well, and biological control (introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis) all help. Hot dry conditions encourage the mite; humidity discourages it.
8
Pick when shiny and firm
Fruit is ready when it reaches full colour, shiny skin, and firm flesh. Press gently — slight give is right; firm but yielding. Overripe fruit goes dull-skinned, soft, and bitter; under-ripe is hard and tasteless. Cut fruit off with secateurs leaving 2 cm of stem.

Common questions

Pest Resilience

2/5 — Somewhat vulnerable

Red spider mite, whitefly, and aphids under glass; flea beetle outdoors. Needs vigilance.

Companion Planting

Grows well with

French bean Marigold

Keep apart from

Fennel bulb Fennel perennial

Visual Characteristics

Fruits

Yes

Harvest: Summer to autumn / fall

🍳

Culinary

Culinary Use

Moussaka, baba ganoush, ratatouille, parmigiana, curries, stir-fries, grilling

The aubergine / eggplant year in your garden

Dispatching imaginary bots to check your garden out...

What to do now

How to Propagate

🌰Seed

Easy

This plant produces viable seeds for propagation

Hardiness Zones

H1a (tender)H7 (very hardy)

H1a

H1b

H1c

RHS H1c

USDA 10–11 equivalent