Aubergine

Solanum melongena

Engels: Aubergine

vegetableSolanaceaeEetbaar

Aubergine (Solanum melongena) is a edible vegetable from the Solanaceae family that grows up to 120cm tall. This plant thrives in full sun and requires regular maintenance. Blooms in summer with purple flowers and attracts bees.

Hoogte

60–120 cm

Breedte

50–70 cm

Zonligging

full sun

Waterbehoefte

high water needs

Grondsoort

loam

Onderhoud

high maintenance

Bloeitijd

summer

Bloemkleuren

purple

Ecologische waarde

Trekt bijen aan

Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
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Care tips

Planting

Aubergines are heat-loving tender vegetables that demand full sun and warm, sheltered conditions to crop successfully in temperate Europe. They are not frost-hardy (zones 9–11) and must be planted outdoors only after all risk of frost has passed, typically in May or June when soil temperatures have warmed reliably above 15°C. Choose the sunniest, most protected spot in your garden—against a south-facing wall is ideal—or grow them in a greenhouse or polytunnel for more reliable results. Prepare the soil by digging in plenty of well-rotted compost or manure several weeks before planting; aubergines thrive in fertile, moisture-retentive loam with good drainage. Raised beds warm up faster and are worth considering if your soil is heavy. If growing in containers, use large pots (at least 30 cm diameter) filled with a high-quality peat-free compost mixed with extra organic matter. Plant young aubergine plants (started indoors from seed in March or April, or bought as plugs) at a spacing of 60 cm to allow good air circulation and room for the mature spread of 50–70 cm. Set them at the same depth they were growing in their pots. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the roots, then apply a 5 cm layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds—keeping the mulch clear of the stem itself. Stake each plant with a sturdy cane at planting time, as the stems can become top-heavy once fruits develop. Tie in loosely as the plant grows.

Pruning

Aubergines benefit from light pruning in July to channel energy into fruit production and improve air circulation. Unlike tomatoes, they do not require aggressive side-shooting, but some selective trimming will give you better-quality fruits and a more manageable plant, especially in our cooler climate where the growing season is short. In mid to late July, once the plant has set four to six fruits, pinch out the growing tip at the top of the main stem. This stops upward growth and encourages the plant to focus on swelling the existing fruits rather than producing more flowers that are unlikely to mature before autumn. At the same time, remove any additional flowers that appear after this point for the same reason. Throughout July and into August, check regularly for yellowing or damaged lower leaves and remove them cleanly with secateurs or a sharp knife. This improves airflow around the base of the plant and reduces the risk of fungal diseases in humid summer weather. Also trim away any small, weak side shoots that are not bearing fruit, particularly those low down or in the centre of the plant where they create congestion. Use clean, sharp secateurs for all cuts and avoid tearing the stems. If you are growing aubergines in a greenhouse, pruning becomes even more important to prevent overcrowding and maintain good ventilation. Always handle the plants gently—aubergine stems can be brittle. If a plant is struggling or growth is very slow, resist the temptation to prune heavily; sometimes less intervention is better in marginal conditions.

Maintenance

Aubergines have high water needs and consistent moisture is critical from planting through to harvest. Water deeply two to three times per week during dry spells, increasing to daily watering in hot weather, particularly for container-grown plants. The soil should remain evenly moist but never waterlogged; erratic watering causes blossom-end rot and bitter, misshapen fruits. Mulching helps enormously with moisture retention. Feed generously throughout the growing season. Once the first fruits begin to swell in June, apply a high-potash liquid tomato fertiliser every week or ten days, continuing through July and August until harvesting winds down. This supports flower and fruit development. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote leafy growth at the expense of fruiting. Aubergines cannot overwinter outdoors in temperate Europe—they are killed by the first frost. Treat them as annuals and clear plants away in October or early November once cropping finishes. If growing under cover, you may extend the season slightly, but even then they will not survive winter cold. Watch for glasshouse red spider mite and whitefly, especially under cover; both thrive in warm, dry conditions. Increase humidity and consider biological controls if infestations develop. Aphids can cluster on shoot tips in early summer—squash by hand or spray with soapy water. Outdoors, flea beetles may pepper young leaves with holes; cover plants with fleece immediately after planting if this is a known problem. Botrytis (grey mould) can occur in damp, poorly ventilated conditions, so ensure good spacing and remove any rotting leaves or fruits promptly.