How to Grow Aubergines in the UK
- Jane Westoby
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Aubergines are tender, warmth-loving plants that require a long growing season, consistent heat, and plenty of light to thrive and fruit well — even more so than tomatoes. In the UK, successful aubergine growing hinges on getting the early stages absolutely right.
Understanding how to grow Aubergines
Aubergines are:
Tender and frost-sensitive: They’ll sulk or die in cold conditions.
Warm-season fruiters: They need heat to germinate and warmth to grow vigorously.
Light-dependent after germination: Strong light helps build sturdy plants with good leaf and flower development — essential for fruiting.
They are members of the nightshade family, like tomatoes and chillies, but generally need even more warmth and a longer season to reach harvest.
When to Sow Aubergine Seeds (UK-Specific)
Timing matters when growing aubergines in the UK, as the outdoor growing season is relatively short and plants need a long period of warmth to reach fruiting stage.
January or February, for early sowing - but this is only worthwhile if you have access to a heated propagator or a consistently warm indoor setup, as aubergines require high temperatures to germinate and grow well.
February to early March is the ideal window for most growers to start aubergine seeds indoors, giving plants enough time to develop before being moved into a greenhouse or polytunnel.
Sowing much later than this increases the risk that plants will be slow to flower and fruit, as aubergines need an extended period of indoor raising before the UK summer provides suitable conditions.
Step 1: Germination — Heat Comes First
Aubergine seeds will not germinate reliably in cool soil. Heat is the non-negotiable driver of germination success.
Germination Temperature
Optimal: 21–30 °C ( 25- 30 °C for quickest, most reliable germination).
Minimum for reliable germination: 18 °C. Below this, germination becomes slow or fails completely.
Actionable setup:
Use a heated propagator or heat mat set to the target range.
Place trays in a warm room or greenhouse bench where temperatures don’t drop at night. Indoors is perfect for this.
Keep compost evenly moist (not wet). Use a propagator lid for this.
Seeds typically take 1–3 weeks to germinate once warmth is consistent.
Step 2: Early Seedling Growth — Heat + Light Together
Once seedlings emerge, the balance shifts — light becomes as crucial as warmth.
Temperature After Germination
Day: Aim for steady warmth 18–22 °C minimum.
Night: Avoid anything below 15 °C if possible — cool nights slow growth.
I keep mine indoors - inside house because its already heated to these temps minimum so I don't even need to think about it, or do daily checks.
Light Requirements
After sprouting, seedlings must have strong light to keep them compact and healthy.
Natural late-winter light is always insufficient, so supplemental LED/fluorescent lighting is recommended for UK setups.
Target 12–16 hours of bright light per day — similar to tomatoes and chillies.
If light is too weak, stems stretch and become weak, increasing transplant shock later.
Step 3: Potting On and Growing On
As aubergine seedlings develop, they should be pricked out into larger pots once they have produced a couple of true leaves. At this stage, using a nutrient-rich but well-drained compost helps support steady growth without waterlogging the roots. Warmth and good light remain essential, as cool conditions or low light can quickly slow development.
Care should also be taken to avoid overwatering, as cold, wet compost can stall growth and lead to weak plants. Aubergines are particularly sensitive to root restriction, so potting on as needed allows the plants to keep growing without interruption and helps maintain strong, healthy development.
Step 4: Hardening Off
Before aubergine plants are moved outside or into an unheated greenhouse, they need to be hardened off gradually. This involves slowly exposing seedlings to cooler air over a period of seven to ten days, allowing them to adjust to changing conditions without shock.
Aubergines are extremely sensitive to cold, so protection from frost and chilly winds is essential during this stage. Sudden drops in temperature can cause serious stress or even kill plants outright, making careful hardening off a crucial step for successful growth.
Step 5: Planting Out
When to plant aubergines out depends largely on where they will be grown and how much protection they have from the elements.
Under cover, aubergines can be planted into a greenhouse or polytunnel from April if the structure is heated, or from early May in an unheated but well-sheltered setup.
Outdoor planting, whether into containers or garden beds, should only take place once all risk of frost has passed and night-time temperatures are consistently warm, which in most parts of the UK is late May to early June.
Aubergines grown in the open perform best in warm, sunny, and sheltered positions, where they are protected from cold winds. Allowing generous spacing between plants is important, as good airflow and light penetration help keep plants healthy and productive. Spacing plants around 60–90 cm apart gives them room to develop fully and supports strong growth through the summer.
Ongoing Care: Heat, Light, Water, and Nutrition
Warmth
Aubergines like steady warmth throughout growth and fruiting — fluctuating temps slow everything down.
Light
Aubergines need bright light and warmth simultaneously for strong vegetative growth and flower development.
Water
Keep soil moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogged conditions near roots.
Nutrition
Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer supports leaf and flower production before fruiting.
Fruit Set and Pollination
Aubergines produce small, delicate flowers that rely on the right conditions to set fruit successfully. Warmth and good airflow are particularly important, as cool, stagnant air can cause flowers to drop without forming fruit.
In enclosed spaces such as greenhouses or polytunnels, where pollinating insects may be limited, gently hand-pollinating the flowers can help improve yields. Lightly brushing the flowers with a soft brush or your fingertip helps transfer pollen and is a common and effective technique used by growers.
Some of my Favourite Aubergines to grow in the UK
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