Aubergine

Variety:

Violetta Lunga

Approx. 15 seeds

Sowing:

Seeds should be sown approximately 1cm deep using 3-5 seeds per module cell.

The seeds should germinate between 7-10 days once they are in the right environment.

Harvesting:

Aubergine is ready to harvest between 100-120 days (usually between July - September) and when the skin is nice and glossy. They are more tender when smaller. You can cut just above the aubergine "cap". 

Information:

Aubergines take a long time to grow so they can be started early in a greenhouse or propagator or from March if you don’t have either of these.

Aubergines need a lot of heat and cold weather can delay their development. If growing your aubergines outside, it is important to wait until all frost has gone before sowing.

Aubergines require a rich soil which needs to be kept moist.

Aubergine plants grow quite tall and will need plenty of room and stems may need bamboo canes for support. 

Aubergine’s should be planted approximately 20 inches apart.

Side shoots should be “pinched out” regularly.

Nutritional Information:

Aubergines are rich in antioxidants including Vitamins A and C, as well as Vitamin B1 and B6 which assist your body’s nervous system. This is particularly important as our bodies are unable to make Vitamin B1 themselves and so we rely on our diet for our intake.

Fun Fact:

Aubergines belong to the nightshade family. Aubergines actually contain (small) traces of nicotine in them. The aubergine got the name “eggplant” from one variety that produced a small egg-shaped vegetable from its plant.