Grow Exotic Aubergine (Brinjal) Plants Indoors

Solanum melongena, commonly known as the aubergine is a member of the family Solanaceae which includes peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. As one of the major ingredients in Mediterranean dishes such as moussakas and French ratatouille it comes as a bit of a surprise to learn that the aubergine is thought to originate from India. The first varieties that English speakers came across probably bore egg-shaped, white fruits hence its other common name eggplant.

Eggplants Come in Many Shapes and Colours

This is a misleading name as the aubergine comes in several shapes and colours. Some varieties are round and small, others are long and oval whilst colours go from whitish-green to yellow, purplish-red and the most common purple and black types sold in supermarkets. Cultivars of aubergine readily available from seed companies include:

• ‘Black Beauty’ which produces large purple fruits.
• ‘Long Purple’ is another common variety.
• ‘Bellezza nera is a broad shouldered Italian variety.
• ‘Listada de Gandia’ is an Italian heirloom variety with large oval fruits up to 20cm long which are striped purple and white.
• ‘Snowy’ is an early maturing, cylindrical white fruited variety.
• ‘Moneymaker’ is an F1 highly regarded for its quality and reliability. It is extra early with glossy black, semi-long fruits.

When and Where to Propagate Aubergine Seeds

Aubergines require a long growing season, taking from 16-24 weeks from seed sowing to harvest depending on variety and weather conditions.

• Sow the seeds in February or March.
• Sow into 7.5cm pots of seed or multi-purpose compost.
• Germinate in an electric propagator set at 21 degrees C.
• Germination takes up to 21 days.
• When the seedlings are big enough to handle by their first true leaves prick them out singly into 9cm pots of multi-purpose compost.
• Maintain a temperature of 16-18 degrees C in the greenhouse.
• Alternately purchase young plants from a garden centre or nursery.

Growing on Aubergines in Pots or Growbags

Once the plants are established with a good root system which will be around the middle of May they can be potted up into individual 20cm (min) pots or put 2 per grow bag.

Aftercare of Eggplants

Pinch out the growing tips when the plants reach 30cm and stake the plants. Water regularly. Avoid overwatering. Daily misting of the foliage will help the fruit set and once 5 fruits have formed all other flowers should be removed. When the fruits start to swell feed every 7 days with tomato feed.

When to Harvest Brinjals

Cut the fruits when they have reached full size, but before the shine disappears from the skin.

Problems Which can Affect Aubergines

The most likely pest to attack aubergines is the Red Spider Mite. Leaves of affected plants will look pale and mottled. Control by keeping the greenhouse atmosphere humid, and spray with a pyrethrum every 6 days. Aphids can also be a problem and are easily noticed. Leaves covered in aphids become distorted and yellow. Spray with an organically approved insecticide based on fatty acids.

Exotic Aubergines are Worth the Effort

Given a hot, sunny summer aubergines grown in a greenhouse or conservatory should produce six fruits per plant. Gardeners living in warm southerly areas may well get decent crops outdoors in a good summer, but by following this method of indoor culture a worthwhile yield should be produced in most years.