Description

Plants grow similarly to sweet peppers and fruit abundantly throughout the summer, preferably under glass or in a sunny spot outdoors. Cylindrical, glossy purple skinned fruits with bitter free flesh.

Sowing Instructions

Sow under heated glass at a minimum temperature of 59F during January to March in pots of good compost. Transplant to larger pots during April or May when seedlings can be easily handled.

Prepare a seedbed to produce fine tilth, eliminate weeds and incorporate a handful of general fertiliser. To speed seed germination, soak seed in tepid water overnight before sowing. For earliest crops sow seeds thinly under fleece or cloches in early spring.

For main sowings sow from late March to July, 13mm deep, in rows 30cm apart, placing 3 seeds per station 5cm apart for small roots, 10cm apart for larger roots. Cover seeds lightly with soil, firm gently and water if soil is dry. When seedlings have 2-3 leaves, thin to 1 plant per station, removing the weakest plants.

Growing Instructions

Plant out once frost risk has passed, either under protection or outdoors in warmer areas. Soil should be well prepared before transplanting with a liberal application of well-rotted manure or compost. Plant outdoors 28 inches apart each way, or in large pots or containers under protection.

Aftercare Instructions

Water and feed generously after planting out and as necessary throughout the period of cropping. To help support the plants, soil can be pulled from between the rows to the base of the plants and made firm, or support with a stout cane. Side-shooting or ‘stopping’ is not necessary.

Fruits should be consumed as soon as possible.

Kitchen Notes

Oven fried eggplant. Skin and slice eggplant. Blend mayonnaise and water. Mix parmesan and seasoned breadcrumbs. Dip slices of eggplant in mayo, then breadcrumbs and bake till crisp.