Sowing windows, spacing, and heat tips for a successful UK aubergine harvest.
Founder & Head Grower, SoilCommander · RHS Level 2 · 12+ years growing in Yorkshire
I've been growing vegetables on my Yorkshire allotment and raised beds since 2012. Everything I write is based on what I've actually grown, failed at, and eventually got right in a real UK climate.
Ready to start growing? Read our full How to Grow Aubergines UK →
Watch our guide to planting aubergines in the UK — covering sowing in a heated propagator, transplanting timing, and how to get a glossy harvest before the autumn frosts.
🌱 Did you know? Aubergines are actually berries botanically — and despite their name, they contain no egg and are more closely related to tomatoes and potatoes than to any fruit!
Growing aubergines in the UK is a test of patience and temperature control. Originally from much warmer climates, these heat-loving plants need a long, protected growing season to yield fruit before the autumn frosts arrive. A heated propagator and a bright, warm position — ideally a greenhouse or polytunnel — are essential for success in a British climate; the RHS advises sowing at around 21°C from late winter and growing under glass in all but the warmest spots. Get the timing right and you will be rewarded with a genuinely impressive harvest of glossy, flavourful fruit.
Note: Germination is slow and unreliable below 21°C. A heated propagator is strongly recommended, not optional.
Sowing & Planting Calendar
| Method | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors (heated propagator) | February – March | 21–27°C; January possible with grow lights |
| Transplant outdoors / greenhouse | Late May – mid-June | Nights must be reliably above 12°C |
| Direct sow outdoors | Not recommended | UK soil too cold; season too short to fruit |
| Container growing | May – June | 10–15L pot (25–30cm); warms faster than open ground |
Regional Timing Guide
☀️ South England / Wales
Sow indoors mid-February. Move to final outdoor or greenhouse position from late May.
🌧️ Midlands / North England
Sow indoors late February – early March. Move out early to mid-June. Growing under glass strongly advised.
🏴 Scotland / Uplands
Sow indoors in March. Must be kept in a greenhouse, polytunnel, or conservatory for their entire lifespan to produce fruit.
Top Growing Tips
- Restrict the Fruit: Limit each plant to 5 or 6 fruits. Once this number has set, pinch out any new flowers so the plant directs all its energy into ripening before autumn.
- Mist for Fruit Set: Aubergine flowers can struggle to pollinate in dry greenhouse air. Lightly misting the flowers with tepid water helps the pollen stick and encourages fruit to set.
- Feed with Potash: Start feeding weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser (such as tomato feed) the moment the first flowers begin to open.
- Stake Them Early: Aubergines become top-heavy once the fruit swells. Insert a bamboo cane at transplanting time to avoid damaging roots later.
- Harden Off Slowly: Spend a full 10–14 days gradually hardening off — outside during the day, indoors at night — before final planting out.
Aubergines are actually berries botanically. Despite their name, they contain no egg and are more closely related to tomatoes and potatoes than to any fruit. They originated in South Asia and have been cultivated for over 1,500 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my aubergine flowers dropping off without forming fruit?
Flower drop is usually caused by poor pollination or dry air. Make sure your greenhouse has good ventilation to allow pollinators in, and lightly mist the flowers with water to help the pollen set.
Do I need to grow aubergines in a greenhouse?
In the UK, growing aubergines in a greenhouse or polytunnel will give you the most reliable and abundant harvest. If you live in the South, you can grow them outside in a very sunny, sheltered spot against a warm wall, but yields will be lower.
How do I know when an aubergine is ready to harvest?
Harvest them when the skin is firm, tight, and highly glossy. If the skin becomes dull or turns slightly brown, the aubergine is overripe, and the seeds inside will be bitter and tough.
Should I pinch out the top of my aubergine plant?
Yes. When the main stem reaches about 30cm (12 inches) tall, pinch out the growing tip. This encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier, which provides more stems for flowers and fruit to develop.
Why are the leaves on my aubergine plant turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves are typically a sign of a nutrient deficiency or overwatering. Ensure the pot has good drainage so the roots aren't sitting in water.
Further Reading & Supplies
Plan Your Entire Growing Season
Download the SoilCommander UK Vegetable Garden Planner — printable, year-round, and built specifically for UK soil and weather conditions.
Get the PlannerPlan The Timing Before You Sow
Use the planting window with a planner, seed-starting setup, and the full calendar so dates stay practical for your garden.
Plan the next step
Use the printable UK Vegetable Garden Planner to turn this guide into sowing dates, bed layouts, and weekly garden tasks.