The secrets to growing the perfect aubergine

February 19, 2025

Growing the Perfect Aubergine: A Beginner’s Guide

Aubergines, or eggplants as some like to call them, are one of those plants that make you feel like a true gardener. With their glossy purple skins and delicate flowers, they bring a sense of achievement when they finally appear in your garden. But let’s be honest—getting them to thrive can sometimes feel like trying to convince a toddler to eat their greens.

If you've ever planted an aubergine and wondered why it’s struggling, you’re not alone. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re starting your first vegetable patch or looking to improve last season’s crop, here’s how to grow plump, healthy aubergines that will make your garden (and your dinner plate) shine.

Start with the Right Variety

Before getting your hands in the soil, pick a variety suited to your climate. Some aubergines love long seasons of warmth, while others are more forgiving. If you’re in an area with unpredictable weather, go for faster-maturing varieties like ‘Bonica’ or ‘Lebanese’ types, which tend to cope better.

Give Them a Warm Home

Aubergines are sun-worshippers. Treat them like the beach enthusiasts they are and plant them in a spot where they’ll get at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. They also like their feet warm—so if it’s still a little chilly when planting time arrives, consider using a black plastic mulch to trap heat.

If you're starting them early, grow them in pots first and move them outside once the weather is warm enough. They sulk in the cold, and a grumpy plant won’t give you much to harvest.

The Secret to Happy Soil

Think of your soil like a good mattress—soft, airy and packed with good nutrients. Aubergines need well-draining soil enriched with compost or aged manure. Mixing in some organic matter ensures their roots can breathe while still retaining enough moisture.

Before planting, give your soil a boost with a balanced fertiliser and check that the pH is between 5.5 and 6.8. A simple soil test kit can tell you if it needs adjusting.

Watering: The Right Balance

Aubergines are a bit fussy with water. Too little and they’ll sulk, too much and they might rot. The trick is deep watering—enough to reach the roots without leaving the soil soggy. A good soak twice a week should do, but adjust based on the weather.

Avoid watering from above, as soggy leaves can attract fungal problems. Instead, use a drip system or water directly at the base to keep your plants happy.

Feeding for Success

These plants are hungry! Once flowering starts, switch to a fertiliser high in potassium to encourage fruit development (a liquid seaweed or tomato feed works well). Apply it every couple of weeks to keep production going.

If your aubergines are dropping flowers or failing to set fruit, they might need a little encouragement. Give them a gentle shake or use a soft brush to pollinate them yourself—the bees will help, but sometimes they need a hand.

Pest Patrol and Common Problems

Like all good things, aubergines sometimes attract trouble. Watch out for aphids, whiteflies and flea beetles, all of which love to snack on young leaves. A gentle spray of soapy water or a good companion plant (like marigolds) can keep them at bay.

Another sneaky culprit is the dreaded fruit rot. If you notice misshapen fruit or soft spots, it's usually a sign of inconsistent watering or calcium deficiency. Mulching and keeping up with regular feeding helps prevent this.

Harvesting: The Moment of Glory

This is where the magic happens. Aubergines are best picked when they’re firm, glossy, and just before the skin loses its shine. If they’re left too long, they become bitter—so don’t be afraid to check them regularly.

Use secateurs or a sharp knife to cut them off, leaving a short stem attached. Tugging can damage the plant, and after all that effort, we don’t want that!

The Taste of Your Own Success

Once harvested, aubergines are ready to star in your kitchen. Whether you grill them, roast them, or turn them into a delicious moussaka, there’s something special about eating homegrown produce. It’s not just the flavour—it’s knowing you grew it yourself.

If you're keen to start your aubergine-growing journey, pop down to Strathalbyn H Hardware’s Garden Centre. We’ve got the seeds, the soil and the know-how to help you grow the best crop yet. And if you need advice, don’t hesitate to ask—we love a good garden chat!