About
This is the wild species of aubergine from which our cultivated vegetable has been bred. Many different varieties are available, varying in size, shape and colour. The flowers are purple and develop into small purple egg-shaped fruits. It has green leaves and a slightly spiny stem. In the wild it is perennial, but in the UK it is treated as an annual as it isn't hardy.
About the genus
Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeFruit Edible, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile moisture-retentive soil in good light. Can grow outside in summer. For more advice see aubergine cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite and two-spotted mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)