Growing Aubergines In A Greenhouse In The Uk?

Aubergines are tender plants that require a warm, sunny environment to grow successfully. They thrive in greenhouses or polytunnels in the UK, and their final growing position can be directly in the ground or in well-drained, medium-heavy, nutrient-rich soil with plenty of water in full sun. To ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest of aubergine, it is essential to provide them with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Aubergines, chillies, and sweet peppers are ideal plants for pots and growing from seed is foolproof. Sow seeds early in the year, 0.1cm deep in pots between February and March, and germinate indoors at around 18-20°C. Transplant aubergine seedlings into large pots in a greenhouse when all chance of frost has gone. Outdoors, 45cm apart, require a sheltered sunny site and a good summer.

For best results, grow aubergines in a greenhouse or raise them in pots on a south-facing patio or windowsill. Use pots at least 30cm wide and deep, filled with multi-purpose compost, and plant one aubergine per pot. You can also use grow bags, planting 2-3 aubergines.

To ensure successful growth, try growing small-fruited aubergine varieties, start seeds late, anticipate aubergine flea beetles, invite native pollinators, and grow them in well-drained, medium-heavy, nutrient-rich soil with plenty of water in full sun. Start aubergines in 9cm pots or similar initially, pricking them out and potting them into these containers.

Can you grow aubergines in a greenhouse?

Aubergines are tender plants that require warmth for successful cropping, making them best grown in a greenhouse. They can fruit outdoors in mild locations or hot summers. Aubergines are closely related to tomatoes and peppers, making them a worthwhile plant to grow. They can be grown from seed indoors or purchased as young plants, and can be grown in containers, grow bags, or in the ground. To grow aubergines outdoors, warm soil with polythene or cloches, harden off and transplant plants, and pinch out the growing tip when plants reach 30cm (1ft) tall.

Can I grow aubergines outside the UK?

Aubergines, a heat-loving summer crop, can be difficult to grow outside in the UK due to the harsh weather conditions. They are related to tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes but require different conditions. Aubergines, like tomatoes and peppers, require ample sun and warmth for successful growth. A polytunnel or undercover growing area can make it easier to grow these crops, especially in the UK, where summers often leave room for warmer crops. By using a polytunnel, aubergines can thrive even in the UK’s harsh climate.

Do eggplants grow in greenhouses?

A greenhouse eggplant crop is a popular commercial or hobby crop, with a six-month lifespan. While not a regular food item, eggplant can be a valuable addition to culinary plans. Plants grow to six to seven feet tall in six months when trained correctly. Avoid attempting to produce eggplant fruit during low light periods, as good light levels are necessary for fruit production. With enough artificial light, fruit can be produced during low light periods.

Eggplant is typically served cooked, with Eggplant Parmesan being a popular dish. The fruit is sliced crosswise, dipped in batter, and rolled in a crumb preparation before being fried or grilled. Eggplants can also be prepared in casseroles or as young stuffed fruit for individual servings.

What are the best conditions for growing aubergines?

Aubergines, a member of the tomato, pepper, and chilli family, require a warm, sunny spot with rich, moisture-retentive soil, plenty of sun, and warm conditions. They thrive in a sunny greenhouse or pots on a south-facing patio or windowsill. To ensure optimal growth, sow seeds in moist, peat-free compost in January and keep them in a heated propagator under light. Pot aubergines when the first true leaves appear, and continue potting when night temperatures exceed 10ºC.

Feed aubergines weekly with a high potash fertiliser once they start flowering, and harvest them as they appear. There are nine unusual aubergines to grow, and six crops are expected to be harvested in August.

What is the best fertilizer for aubergines?

To grow aubergine plants, pinch out the stems when they reach 30cm high to encourage side shoots. Feed them weekly with high-potash fertiliser or tomato feed and mist with water to set the fruits. Remove any small fruiting shoots when you have five to six fruits. Taller varieties may need staking. Keep plants well watered and mulched. Harvest fruits before the skin loses gloss, as some aubergines have less shiny skins. Store aubergines fresh and cook immediately, with some varieties needing slicing and salting to remove bitterness.

Do aubergines have deep roots?

Watering is crucial for aubergine plants to avoid drought and waterlogging, as too much water can produce weak, spindly plants. Once seedlings have produced their first true leaves, they are ready to be pricked out into modules or small pots. Hold them by their leaves rather than their stems when pricking out, and avoid planting them too deeply as aubergine seedlings do not stem-root. Plant them so that the compost is at the same level on the stem as in the original seed tray.

Growing on aubergine plants requires continuing growth and pot on as needed to end up with individual plants in 3½” pots, standing about 6-8″ (15-20 cms) tall. If frost threat has not subsided or plants are not ready to plant outside, pot on again to avoid checking growth or root-bound plants.

Planting out aubergine plants is better due to increased warmth and greater control over watering. Both greenhouses and polytunnels are ideal for this, and options for final setting out include grow-bags, pots, or in the ground.

Do aubergines need direct sunlight?

Aubergines require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with daytime temperatures around 20°C. They thrive in fertile, well-draining soil, which can be improved by mixing compost with garden top soil. Aubergines are hungry plants, so they require an initial feed. If prepared well, manure can be added to the soil in the autumn to add additional nutrients and improve its texture. Aubergines should be spaced 60cm apart in the ground to allow for air and sunlight to reach every part of them. If growing in pots, use one pot per plant and avoid crowding them together. Aubergines need a well-prepared environment to thrive and produce fruit.

Do aubergine plants need pinching out?

To care for an aubergine plant, water regularly and apply high potassium liquid fertilizer fortnightly once the first fruits appear. Provide support using stakes and pinch out the main stem once the plant reaches 30cm tall to encourage side shoots. Be aware of external threats like red spider mites, which can impact the lifespan of fruits by eating plant sap and causing leaves to appear mottled. They can be easily detected by webbing on leaves and irregular markings.

What is the best temperature for eggplant?

Eggplants thrive in warm weather and should be kept at a temperature of 75°F to 85°F until seedlings emerge. Monitor potting mix moisture and ensure a soil temperature of 70°F. Choose sturdy plants up to a foot tall, start seeds eight weeks before planting, and transplant outdoors after nighttime low temperatures are above 50°F. Install plant supports and use mulch to heat the soil. Harvest eggplants when they reach mature size and clip them off with sharp shears. Eggplants are a relative of peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and tobacco.

What kind of soil do aubergines like?

Aubergines, a member of the tomato, pepper, and chilli family, require a warm, sunny spot with rich, moisture-retentive soil, plenty of sun, and warm conditions. They thrive in a sunny greenhouse or pots on a south-facing patio or windowsill. To ensure optimal growth, sow seeds in moist, peat-free compost in January and keep them in a heated propagator under light. Pot aubergines when the first true leaves appear, and continue potting when night temperatures exceed 10ºC.

Feed aubergines weekly with a high potash fertiliser once they start flowering, and harvest them as they appear. There are nine unusual aubergines to grow, and six crops are expected to be harvested in August.

How much water do aubergines need?

Aubergines require consistent, moist soil for their fruits, which should be checked and watered regularly, especially in pots during summer. Morning watering is recommended to prevent moulds and mildews, while misting leaves once or twice a day can deter red spider mites and encourage fruiting. Regular feeding with potassium-rich fertilizers like liquid tomato feed is necessary for fruit formation. Aubergines grown outside can benefit from mulch for additional nutrients, soil retention, and weed control.

Support is essential for aubergine plants, as fruits can grow large and heavy. A strong garden cane or bamboo stick is ideal, positioned 2-3cm away from the stem and tied in carefully. Alternatively, the plant can be grown next to a trellis or horizontal wire supports. If a heavy crop is produced, additional canes may be needed. Overall, aubergines require regular watering, mulch, and support to ensure their growth and fruit quality.