Aubergines are becoming a much more popular vegetable to grow at home thanks to a new cultivar that is more suited to the British climate, as well as their delicious fruit.
Sow from January in a heated greenhouse using a heated propagator, or February in an unheated greenhouse.
Grow in 9cm pots initially, and when the pot is filled with roots, transfer the plants to 23cm pots of compost in April in a heated greenhouse, or early May if unheated.
For outdoor cultivation, sow indoors in early March – but plants will only do well outside if grown in mild areas or during very good summers.
To increase your chances of success, warm the soil with polythene or cloches two weeks before planting, plant in a sheltered, sunny position, then cover the young plants in cloches or frames for a further two weeks.
Stake and tie in plants as they grow. When plants are 30cm (12in) high, remove the tip from the main stem.
Water regularly and feed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every two weeks once the first fruit has set. Mist the foliage at least twice daily with tepid water to discourage red spider mite and help fruit set.
Remove remaining flowers when five or six fruits have set. Cultivars producing small or round fruit can be allowed to produce many more.
Adapted from Royal Horticultural Society advice, www.rhs.org.uk
