Aubergines are the Mediterranean glamour crop: glossy purple fruits hanging in a sunny greenhouse, tasting of summer holidays. In Central and Western Europe they need more warmth than most vegetables — but with an early start indoors and a sheltered spot, beginners can absolutely grow them.
This guide covers the early indoor start, the warmth aubergines demand, flower pollination tricks, and the gloss test that tells you when to pick. Written for Central and Western Europe, no experience assumed.
An honest note first: in cool summers, outdoor aubergines in northern areas may disappoint — this is a crop where a greenhouse, polytunnel or the sunniest sheltered patio genuinely matters. Everything below assumes you can give them that warmth.
| Care point | What aubergines need |
|---|---|
| Sun & warmth | Maximum sun; ideally under cover in cool areas |
| Water | Regular; keep compost evenly moist, never waterlogged |
| Soil & pH | Rich, free-draining; pH 6.0–6.8; plenty of compost |
| Sow indoors (Central Europe) | February–March |
| Plant out / move to final spot | Late May–June, after all frost |
| Spacing | 45–50 cm apart; or one per large pot |
| Days to harvest | 100–140 days; harvest August–September |
| Difficulty | Moderate — warmth is everything |
Step 1: Start early indoors — February or March
Sow February to March indoors, one seed per small pot, about 1 cm deep, at 20–25°C — a heated propagator or warm windowsill. Aubergines germinate slowly (two to three weeks is normal), so start earlier than tomatoes and peppers, their warm-climate cousins.
Grow the seedlings on warm and bright — cold-checked aubergine seedlings sulk for weeks. Our seed-starting guide covers the setup; keep aubergines the warmest of the lot.
Step 2: Give them the warmest spot you have
In most of Central and Western Europe, aubergines crop best under cover — a greenhouse, polytunnel or sunny conservatory. Outdoors, choose the sunniest, most sheltered microclimate: against a south-facing wall, in a walled courtyard, or on a heat-trapping patio.
They also grow well in large pots (15 litres minimum), which lets you move them to the warmest spot and brings the roots into warmer soil faster. Use rich, free-draining compost and work in plenty of organic matter (see our soil basics guide).
Step 3: Plant out only after all frost — and harden off
Move plants to their final spot in late May or June, after the last frost, hardening off over 7–10 days. Aubergines hate cold more than almost any vegetable — a single cold night can check growth for weeks.
Space 45–50 cm apart, water in well, and mulch to hold warmth and moisture in the root zone. In containers, one plant per pot — they are big, thirsty plants.
Step 4: Help the flowers pollinate
Aubergine flowers need a nudge: in still greenhouse air, pollen does not move well. Tap or shake each flowering stem gently every day or two, or dab each flower with a soft paintbrush to move pollen. Outdoors, wind and bees usually manage it.
Flowers that drop without setting fruit usually mean cold nights or poor pollination — the two classic aubergine complaints. Warmth plus daily shaking solves most of it. Like peppers, aubergines abort flowers when stressed by cold.
Step 5: Feed, water and stake through summer
Aubergines are hungry and thirsty: water regularly so the compost never dries out (drought drops flowers), and feed every week or two once fruits start forming. Follow the method in our watering guide.
Stake the plants — fruit-laden stems snap in wind. Limit each plant to 4–6 fruits by pinching off extra flowers late in the season; fewer fruits ripen properly, more stay small and never mature before autumn.
Step 6: Harvest glossy and firm — the shine test
Pick when fruits are glossy, firm and fully coloured — the skin should shine like polished leather. Dull, matte skin means overripe (seedy and bitter inside). Cut with secateurs, leaving a short stalk.
Harvest runs August to September. Picking young and often encourages more fruits — do not wait for monsters. Cook the same day if you can; like sweetcorn, freshness flatters them.
Troubleshooting: common aubergine problems
Flowers drop without setting fruit: Cold nights or still air — the classic causes. Ensure warmth, shake flowers daily for pollination, and be patient: the first flush of flowers often drops before the plant settles.
Fruits small and never ripen: Too many fruits on the plant, or too cool a summer. Thin to 4–6 fruits and give maximum warmth. In poor summers, even good plants underperform — it happens.
Leaves yellowing: Usually hunger or irregular watering in pots. Feed regularly and keep compost evenly moist — see our Plant Doctor guide to yellow leaves for the full diagnosis.
Aphids clustering on growing tips: Aubergines attract aphids under cover. Wash off with water, encourage ladybirds, and see our pests guide for organic controls.
What to do this October
October is end of season: pick the last fruits before the first frosts — even slightly under-ripe ones, since frost ruins them. Compost the spent plants (unless diseased), clean the greenhouse staging, and note what worked: variety, position, pot size.
Order seed for next year while choice is best — early varieties like 'Moneymaker' or 'Ophelia' suit short seasons. See the full October checklist for the month's other jobs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I grow aubergines outdoors in Germany/France?
In warm, sheltered southern spots, yes — but a greenhouse or polytunnel is far more reliable. Treat outdoor growing as a bonus, not the plan.
Why are my aubergine flowers falling off?
Cold or poor pollination — the two usual causes. Warmth and daily flower-shaking fix most cases.
How do I know when to pick?
The shine test: glossy, firm, fully coloured skin means ready. Dull skin means overripe.
Are homegrown aubergines less bitter?
Yes — picked young and glossy, homegrown fruits are sweet and creamy with no need for salting. Bitterness comes from overripe, dull-skinned fruits.
Related guides
- How to Grow Bell Peppers at Home: Beginner's Guide — the closest warm-climate cousin
- How to Grow Tomatoes at Home: Beginner's Guide — same family, similar needs
- Starting Seeds Indoors: A Beginner's Guide — the early start they demand
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