When to plant Aubergines in the UK

Sow seeds in a heated propagator from late February to early March. Keep them at 21–24 °C and sow to a depth of 0.5 cm in fine seed compost.

When the seedlings have their first true leaves, move them into small pots around mid-March to mid-April. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them warm and bright so they don't draw.

Pot on as roots fill the first container, usually around late March to early May. Move each plant into a larger pot with fresh compost and keep watering lightly but regularly.

Gradually acclimatise plants over 15 days from early May to late May. Move them to a cooler, bright spot such as a cold frame or unheated greenhouse for longer periods each day, and protect them from cold nights until they are used to the lower temperatures.

Plant into a greenhouse border, growing bag or large pot around late May, once nights stay above 12 °C. Space plants 60 cm apart in a bed, water them in and add a sturdy cane.

Tie the main stem to a cane from early June. When the plant reaches 30 cm, pinch out the main growing tip to encourage side-shoots. Tie in heavy fruiting stems as they develop.

Start feeding from early June and continue to late October. Use a high-potash tomato feed every 14 days once the first flowers appear, and keep the compost evenly moist so fruit sets properly.

Pick fruit from late August to late October while the skins are glossy and before the seeds harden. Cut them with a small stalk attached, and keep picking regularly to encourage more fruit.