Eggplant
How to sow aubergines successfully under cover?
To sow aubergines under cover, we recommend starting sowing in February or early March. Use cups 5 to 8 cm in diameter filled with good quality potting soil. Place one seed per pot and cover lightly with potting soil. Water carefully to maintain constant humidity, without soaking the potting soil.
Place the cups in a warm, bright place, ideally at a temperature of at least 20°C. Make sure the young plants do not lack light, otherwise they may stretch. You'll be able to transplant the plants into the ground when there's no risk of frost, usually around May.
For natural gardening, it is advisable to add compost or mulch to the planting soil to nourish the plants with natural nutrients. Also, make sure you space the plants well apart to encourage good air circulation and prevent the development of disease.
How do I plant aubergines?
To grow aubergines in the ground, it's essential to choose a sunny spot that's protected from the wind. Prepare the soil by spading it deeply and adding compost to enrich the soil. Aubergines need well-drained, slightly acid soil to develop fully. Avoid excess moisture, which could lead to disease.
Eggplant seeds can be sown indoors in early spring, then transplanted into the open ground when temperatures are mild enough, usually mid-May. Be sure to space the aubergine plants about 60 cm apart so that they can develop properly. Water regularly without wetting the leaves too much to avoid mildew.
By installing stakes to support growing plants, you'll encourage better air circulation and a better harvest. Regularly remove weeds around plants to avoid nutrient competition. By following these simple tips, you'll be able to harvest beautiful, healthy and tasty aubergines from your natural garden.
How do I harvest aubergines?
Eggplants can be harvested from late summer to early autumn. It's best to wait until the fruit reaches full size and has a bright, even colour before picking. To harvest an aubergine, simply cut it off at the stem with a knife. It is important not to pull on the fruit to avoid damaging the plant.
Freshly harvested aubergines can be kept for up to a week in the fridge. To extend their shelf life, they can be frozen after slicing or dicing. We recommend blanching them for a few minutes in boiling water before freezing to preserve their texture and flavour.
Eggplant
- Type : Vegetables
- Subtype : Fruiting vegetables
- Botanical Family : Solanaceae
Characteristics
- Lifecycle : Annual
- Exposure : Full Sun
- Frost Hardiness : Frost Sensitive
- Cultivation Difficulty : Challenging
- Adult Height : 70 cm
Sowing & Planting
- Greenhouse Growing : Recommended
- Sowing Depth : 1 cm
- Plant Spacing : 60 cm
- Row Spacing : 70 cm
Maintenance
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Water Requirements : High
Seeds
- Soil Type : Humus-rich
- Soil pH Preference : Neutral
- Pest Sensitivity : Moderate
- Disease Sensitivity : Moderate
- Weed Sensitivity : Moderate
- Pollination : Insect-pollinated
- Propagation : Sowing