Aubergine growing advice

My potted aubergines are flowering and beginning to set fruit.




As the ground-grown ones are in a sunnier location, they are further along:

 

So I’ve had one just hoping I’ll get a couple more by the end of the season, I’m actually quite hopeful!

 

I still think it’s well worth it… well in my house, I’m the only one who actually likes aubergine…. The fact that I have grown a few myself is enough for me… Will deffo to 2 plants next year… they cost a whole lot less than I would have bought in the shop (providing I get more than 3 fruits)

I’ve had much pleasure watching them grow…. Now I know that pollenating the flowers myself, and removing all flowers after I had enough fruits on the go…. over the last 2 weeks has deffo made a difference…. It’s really amazing how you can influence what a plant does.

 

Weve been buying these tiny ones from sainsburies and theyre quite yum, just roasted with a bit of salt.
Might try growing a small fruit cultivar, I think its too shady here to get big fruit. Any recommendations? I guess they grow like peppers, very slowly so sow in december? i know nothing about them

 

Regarding growth rates I would say closer to tomatoes.
If growing outside I think sowing in December would be far too early, I sowed mine in early April.

 

I bought my jackpot plant for £1 in a sale, I had done some seeds but they were not big enough by May to plant… I then was told that I probably wouldn’t have any luck with them being up north and growing outside…..

I only had one fruit for ages which I pulled a few weeks ago.. I decided to help pollinate the flowers and removed any smaller flowers and within a week I had loads growing…. Still didn’t think I’d have enough time for them to make it to the dinner table but didn’t give in…. Fed and watered them well, removed anymore flowers that showed and constantly moved the pot around the garden in the sun and I’m amazed that I’ll deffo have at least another 12-15 fruit to enjoy. I can’t say they were the best tasting ever but the fact I grew them makes it worth while and another win in my first year of gardening

 

Your wonderful success has certainly made us think of trying them again next year. We absolutely love these cut into 1cm or so rounds and dry fried 4-5 minutes each side (turn once brown) with garlic and chilli added on turning. Lovely added to a pasta dish.

 

A lovely outdoor yeild. Our peppers are just starting to get there along with our toms.

Will sow in april then!

 

It is looking good - looks like Jackpot is a good variety. I tried a grafted aubergine variety (Black Pearl F1) one year and had a very good crop, although the plants cost a fortune! I didn't eat enough to justify the £5 each grafted plant cost, though!

 

Our Solanum melongena germinated really well. The plants were transplanted out into our new tunnel. Growth has been brilliant with many multiple flowers on each stem (not had that before). However very little pollination so have tried the soft brush technique. Doesn't seem to work with these plants.

 

i had this problem with peppers, needed wind and bees or flies or something. difficult in a polytunnel?

ive heard of people going around and touching the stems with an electric toothbrush buzzing to mimic bees, maybe that works

 

I had two mini aubergine plants, one produced one tiny one, the other produced maybe 6. It was white night f1. Not going to bother again either! Same with melon, 2 plants one was produced and it tastes poor

 

I had a successful year with aubergine last year (Black Beauty and a long purple variety but the name escapes me! However this year, I had no luck, unless I count the scrawly ones... I'm going to chalk it up to bad weather and try to be hopeful for next year!

I also failed with melons this year, my first year and all that... That one was very disappointing!