Aubergine Patio Baby F1plants

Planting:

Grow Patio Baby F1 plants by transplanting the plug plants into trays or 8 to 13 cm diameter pots filled with potting soil. Place them in a warm and bright location. Water regularly.

Plant in the ground around mid-May or in June (from late April in mild climates), once all risk of frost has passed. Place the Aubergine in full sun, in a sheltered spot. It thrives in well-drained and rich soils. Since Aubergine is a demanding vegetable, it will be necessary to add well-rotted compost in the previous autumn. In cooler regions, it is advisable to plant the Aubergine in a greenhouse.

Soak the root ball in water for a few minutes before planting. Space the plants 50 cm apart in all directions. Dig a hole, place the root ball, and cover with fine soil. Water generously. At the beginning of the cultivation, protect the plants with a mini-tunnel or a frame to gain a few degrees.

Aubergine can also be grown in a pot, provided it is placed in the sun. In this case, you can plant the plug plants directly into the pot.

Maintenance:

Hoe and weed regularly. Remove any side shoots that develop at the base of the plant.

Water regularly, being careful not to wet the foliage to prevent the onset of fungal diseases such as mildew. Drip irrigation is very suitable.

Pruning will be necessary to promote fruit development. In July, cut the main stem above the 2^nd flower. Repeat this operation on the new shoots that develop. This way, you can expect to harvest an average of 7 to 8 fruits per plant.

Diseases and pests:

Aubergine, like tomatoes, is susceptible to mildew. This is a fungal disease caused by the Phytophthora infestans fungus. Mildew develops in warm and humid weather. Small spots appear, white under the leaves and green-grey on top. To reduce risks, space the plants sufficiently and avoid watering the foliage. In terms of rotation, wait 4 years before growing a Solanaceae plant in the same spot and do not grow them in neighbouring rows. If needed, spray with Bordeaux mixture or preparations like horsetail decoction or garlic purée.

Harvest can also be disrupted by the Colorado potato beetle, a beetle from the order of coleopterans. You will recognise it by its yellow head and its yellow and black striped body. The best solution, although a bit time-consuming, is to remove them as they appear. As a preventive measure, sow blue flax seeds between your Aubergine rows. Sow from April to June in shallow furrows. Besides being a deterrent against Colorado potato beetles, flax will brighten up your vegetable garden with its pretty little blue flowers.

Lastly, you can protect young plants from slugs and snails by placing ash or coffee grounds nearby, to be replenished in case of rain.