Aubergines can be grown outside in mild areas or during very good summers but they are better grown in a greenhouse or frame.
Sowing
Sow at 65-70°F (18-21°C)
Greenhouse cultivation: sow in January (heated greenhouse) or February (unheated greenhouse). Outdoor cultivation: sow in March.
Growing
Transfer plants to 9in (23cm) pots of good compost in April (heated greenhouse) or early May (unheated greenhouse); or plant 60cm (2ft) apart if growing in soil. Warm outdoor soils with polythene or cloches two weeks before planting out at the end of May/early June and keep young plants covered for a further two weeks. Stake and tie in plants as they grow and remove growing point when plants are 12in (30cm) high. Water regularly and once fruit set, feed with a high potash liquid fertiliser. Mist the foliage regularly with tepid water to discourage red spider mite and to help flower set. Once five fruits have set, remove any other flowers.
Harvesting
Cut each fruit from August onwards when they've grown about 6in (15cm) long and the skin surface is still shiny.
