How to Grow Aubergines in the UK

How to Grow Aubergines in the UK: Complete Growing Guide

Aubergines (eggplants) are exotic, rewarding vegetables that can be successfully grown in the UK with warmth and protection. With their glossy purple fruits and attractive foliage, aubergines make beautiful as well as productive greenhouse plants.

Not sure when to sow? See our When to Plant Aubergines UK →

Quick Growing Facts

Sowing Time: February to April indoors
Harvest Time: July to October
Growing Time: 20-30 weeks from sowing to first harvest
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Position: Greenhouse or polytunnel (warmest, most sheltered spot)

When to Sow Aubergines

Indoor sowing: February-April in a heated propagator (essential)
Early sowings: February-March for best results (need 21-25°C)
Greenhouse essential: Aubergines rarely succeed outdoors in the UK
Long season needed: Allow 20-30 weeks from sowing to harvest

Soil and Compost Preparation

Container growing: Use good quality multipurpose or tomato compost (recommended)
Greenhouse borders: Enrich soil heavily with well-rotted manure or compost
Drainage: Ensure excellent drainage; aubergines hate waterlogged conditions
pH level: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
Pot size: Final pot size should be at least 10-12 litres (2.5-3 gallons)

How to Sow Aubergines

Use small pots or modules: Fill with seed compost
Sow on surface: Place 2-3 seeds per pot on the surface
Cover lightly: Cover with a thin layer of vermiculite or sieved compost
High heat essential: Keep at 21-25°C (70-77°F) for germination
Heated propagator needed: Germination takes 10-21 days with consistent warmth
Good light: Move to bright, warm location (18-20°C minimum) once germinated
Thin to strongest: Remove weaker seedlings, leaving one per pot

💡 Top Tip

Aubergines are even more heat-demanding than tomatoes or peppers. A heated propagator is essential for successful germination. Don't attempt to grow aubergines without adequate warmth — they simply won't thrive.

Potting On and Planting Out

First potting: Move to 7.5cm (3 inch) pots when 2-3 true leaves appear
Second potting: Transfer to 12.5cm (5 inch) pots when roots fill smaller pots
Final potting: Move to final 10-12 litre pots in late April-May
Greenhouse only: Plant in heated greenhouse borders or large pots
Temperature: Maintain minimum 18°C, ideally 20-25°C
Spacing: Space plants 60cm (24 inches) apart

Ongoing Care

Watering: Keep compost consistently moist but not waterlogged; water regularly, especially when flowering and fruiting
Feeding: Feed weekly with high-potash tomato fertiliser once first flowers appear
Support: Stake plants to prevent stems breaking under fruit weight
Pinching out: Pinch out growing tip when plants reach 30-40cm (12-16 inches) to encourage bushier growth
Restrict fruits: Allow only 5-6 fruits per plant for best size and quality
Remove side shoots: Pinch out side shoots below first flower for stronger plants
Temperature: Maintain 20-25°C for best growth; provide ventilation if over 30°C
Humidity: Mist plants occasionally to aid fruit set and deter red spider mite

Common Problems

Poor fruit set: Often due to temperatures too low or too high. Maintain 20-25°C and tap flowers gently to aid pollination.

Red spider mite: Tiny mites causing yellowing, mottled leaves. Increase humidity, mist regularly, and use biological controls.

Aphids: Small sap-sucking insects on growing tips. Spray with soapy water or use biological controls.

Whitefly: Small white flying insects. Use yellow sticky traps and biological controls.

Blossom end rot: Dark patches on fruit base. Maintain consistent watering to prevent calcium deficiency.

Harvesting Aubergines

Timing: First harvest usually 20-30 weeks after sowing (July-October)
Size: Harvest when fruits reach full size for the variety (usually 10-20cm/4-8 inches)
Glossy skin: Pick when skin is still glossy and firm; dull skin indicates over-maturity
Press test: Gently press skin — it should spring back; if indentation remains, fruit is ready
Cut, don't pull: Use secateurs or sharp knife to cut fruits with 2.5cm (1 inch) of stem
Regular picking: Harvest regularly to encourage more fruit production
Handle carefully: Fruits bruise easily