Aubergine, 'Black Beauty'

Germination

Easily grown in the greenhouse outdoors can be more difficult. Sow indoors. Surface sow onto moist well-drained seed compost, allowing 2cm between seeds. Just cover with soil. Ideal temp. 18-25°C. Germination takes 14-21 days approx. Transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on with a min. temp. 15°C. If planting out harden off and move to a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. For the greenhouse grow in 20cm pots filled with compost or plant in growbags, 3 plants per bag. Stake plants for extra support.

Growing

Remove growing point when the plant reaches 30cm. Stake for added support. Mist plants regularly. When 5 fruits have formed remove lateral shoots and remaining flowers. Water regularly but do not soak. Add a potassium rich soluble fertiliser each time you water once the fruit begin to swell. Can be prone to red spider mite, aphids and whitefly, treat accordingly.

Cultivation

To harvest cut the fruit from the plant when it has reached 15cm long approx. Harvest while the fruit is still shiny, dull fruit tend to be over-ripe and bitter. Aubergines will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.