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Hi all!!

I have just be given two aubergine plants today!!

Any advice on how to grow etc - I haven't a clue!!

Ta very much

Nobbs xx  ???

Same like toms.  And just let them do their own thing!!

I have mine in large pots in the GH, and feed along with the tomatoes. They seem happy.

They can get bushy on their own, but it can be advisable to nip the growing tip at around 8-10" to ensure they do. They also like a hunid atmosphere to set the flowers. I have trays of water between plants.

Agree with all above and add that I help pollination with a brush and support the plants well as the fuit can get very heavy and may break a branch or two.

Jerry

I know what the book says - & that people do it & are happy. But:

1. I find that they are so bushy that 2 to a bag is pushing it.

2. Take care - some varieties have 2  or more identical leaders.

Should I be pinching off the side shoots like with tomatoes? I noticed them today when I was in teh greenhouse but wasn't sure so have left weel alone.

Growing them myself for the first time this year - outside. They haven't grown very much though, still only about 9" tall - am I being too impatient, or is something wrong? One has a flower on it, should I take that to mean they are struggling? They look healthy enough to me, but to be honest have never seen them growing, so don't know.

I never pinch anything out on aubs, but then I am not a great aub grower.  They always struggle for me, if they can be bothered to germinate in the first place.  I have two nice surviving plants this year - a long thin green thai one - copying Tim, and a regular aubergine shaped one  :).  Just wish they would flower!

Mine are only about 9 inches tall too, in my greenhouse, so I wouldn't worry about size. I suspect outdoor will do well this year, we seem to be getting good temperatures.

Still quiet early for flowers IMHO, mine have started to flower now from a January sowing bugt I would not call it a flush of flowers by any means.

Nice healthy plants though about 20" tall.

I never pinch out the side shoots or the growing tip as they bush out nicely on their own. Just leave them to it other than staking, feeding and watering.

Jerry

vez - WHAT did I say?? Leave them alone!!

jenny - you should be fine outside - good if you can give them some protection. We got about 13 per plant up here.

Flowers - as Jerry says - my tallest are 24" (in 12" tall bags) & are only just opening a few flowers. At 9" you should not be worried.

So how do you cook them?

I do this:

Slice aubergines, salt and soak and rinse
Deep fry the slices in olive-oil OR with a light coating of batter on them.

Delicious with roast tomatoes, garlic, mozzeralla cheese, red wine and tender lamb steaks!

See you in Recipes??

Wow -thank you all!!

I'll keep mine outside then and hopefully watch the results!!

Nobbs xx  :P

Please keep us informed, because if growing aubergines outdoors is successful, guess what I will be doing next year !

Oh, dear - not saying that you should put them outside - just that we succeeded?? And they were the long ones which, I think, are more amenable.

Agree, indoors best but outdoors will work as well given a good year, this is black beauty last year:



Fingers crossed for this year!

Jerry

Thanks Tim I will not touch them. I trust you and will do as I am told. ;D

Not bad, Jerry!!

Vez - you can always pinch one out & prove me wrong??