Vegetables
Aubergine 'Black Beauty'
Solanum melongena
A reliable aubergine with good yields of shiny, pear-shaped, dark fruits 10-15cm long. A versatile Mediterranean vegetable that can be used in all sorts of recipes. Best grown in a greenhouse, but can also be grown in a sheltered spot outdoors in full sun.
- Position
- Full Sun
- Height
- 75cm
- Spread
- 60cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Soak seeds in warm water 24 hours before sowing. Sow indoors Jan-April, on the surface of seed compost, and cover with 6mm layer of soil or vermiculate. Propagate at 18-25°C. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings to 8cm pots. Grow on at 15°C+. For greenhouse cultivation, transplant to 20cm pot, or growbag.
Aftercare
Stake plants for support. Remove growing tip when plant reaches 30cm tall. Water and mist plants regularly, feeding with high potassium fertiliser when flowers set. Restrict to 5-6 fruits per plant for larger crops.
Gallery
Ref. SEA023