Aubergine Black Beauty is a favourite with keen gardeners. Pear shaped (15x12cm), open pollinated variety, deep purple fruits and relatively early cropping (July). Often sold by garden centers as mature plants.

SOW:         April in a cold greenhouse  

HARVEST:  July - August

WHERE TO SOW:

Although in super protected environments (like central London!) it is possible to grow Aubergine's outside, for the rest of us, sow indoors in March or in a cold greenhouse in April.

Sow the seeds in a mixture of garden soil and compost. Lay the seeds on the surface and sprinkle a small amount of compost. Water from below.

By April transfer seedlings to 3 inch pots, and then in May finally into 9 inch pots in their final position in the greenhouse.
In June Stake and tie the plants as needed and then feed with a high potash feed once the 3rd fruit has formed.
Continue to water and feed until harvest in July through September.

General Information:
Native to India, the name 'Eggplant' developed in the US because some of the European Cultivars developed in the 18th century were white or gold and resembled hens' eggs.

1 Packet Contains 50 Seeds