In Wales, aubergines need a long, warm growing season. Sow seeds indoors between late January and March using a heated propagator or a consistently warm windowsill (21–24°C is ideal). This gives the plants enough time to grow strong before being hardened off in late May or early June, once the risk of frost has passed.
Plant aubergines out in early to mid-June, once night temperatures stay reliably above 10°C. In most parts of Wales, outdoor planting is risky — a greenhouse or polytunnel is strongly recommended to provide the warmth they need.
Grow aubergines in large containers or raised beds in a warm, sunny, and sheltered spot. Use rich, free-draining compost and feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser once fruit begins to set. Support the plants with stakes and pinch out the growing tips to encourage branching and better fruit development.
Yes — with the right setup. While aubergines are naturally suited to warmer climates, Welsh gardeners can succeed by starting seeds early indoors and growing plants under cover. Outdoor success is possible in warm, sheltered areas but not guaranteed in cooler, coastal, or upland locations.
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