Kitchen Garden Forum

we've grown aubergines in the greenhouse before but this year we're a bit cramped, is it possible/fruitful to grow them outside?
If so would they need some protection?
I'd be grateful for any tips as a friend has offered me some spare plants:)

Hi,
It is possible to grow them outside in pots but they are a tropical/sub tropical fruit so it all depends on the summer we have! If we have a long hot summer then you will be fine, but the important thing obviously is to wait until the weather warms up until you plant outside as growth is poor below 20c. They like humidity as well as good light levels.
Lets hope for a good summer.
Good luck
Hilary

I've grown them quite successfully in a cold frame with no top on, if you see what I mean (no rude comments, please!!)

So I won't say it suits Melons as well if nobody else does.

Yes, It's definitely possible to grow them outdoors. I had a really good crop last summer, despite the poor weather, by growing them in 8" diameter pots on our patio against the house wall, which got sunshine for half the day. I put the pots outside in late May, protecting the plants with large square mineral water bottles until the weather warmed up in June and thereafter gave them no protection at all. I mixed rotted manure and chicken manure pellets into the final container mix and was surprised by the results. I suspect that the house wall gave off some heat which helped them. I grew my peppers in a similar way and had equally good results.

I would go along with Primrose, I have had mor success with Aubergines outside rather than in the greenhouse. They do not seem to like the company of Tomatoes, as the plants in the greenhouse lost their flowers ans suffered from mildew. I think it must be to do with moisture levels. As Primrose said, a sheltered spot against a brick wall seems to do the job.
Regards, Essexboy.

Aubergines will do well outdoors most years, in any years that suit tomatoes, in fact. Even so, they do need to be given a sporting chance to succeed: against a south-facing wall, perhaps, and protected from winds. I find that the bit of fresh air and the extra direct sunshine they get makes them especially robust. The plants take on a different character grown outdoors: their purple colour is darker, and thick spines are produced! The fruits take on a different character, too: they're much denser and better flavoured, in my view — much better quality than greenhouse-grown fruits which tend to be mushy.

But I must stress that there is a little risk involved. In a poor summer they may fail dismally, but in a blistering summer you could have them coming out of your ears. In containers, though, you can always move them in and out.

Thanks everyone for such helpful advice,now if someone can suggest a method to cultivate a lovely hot summer...
Returning to aubergines bought two beautiful fruits in Lidl this morning only 50p each Asda had the same offer but they were only half the size