🍆 Aubergine 'Black Beauty'

Sowing window (UK)	February to March
Minimum soil temperature	18°C at seed depth
Sowing depth	1 cm
Spacing	60 cm apart
Days to germination	18 days
Days to harvest	150 days
Sowing method	Start under cover, transplant out
Frost hardy	No
Sun	full-sun
Watering	moderate
Plant family	Solanaceae

When should I sow Aubergine 'Black Beauty' in the UK?

In the UK, sow Aubergine 'Black Beauty' from February to March. It is normally started under cover and transplanted. Wait until the soil has reached 18°C at seed depth rather than going by the calendar - aubergine will sit and rot in cold ground.

What soil temperature does Aubergine 'Black Beauty' need to germinate?

Aubergine 'Black Beauty' needs a minimum soil temperature of 18°C at seed depth to germinate reliably. Below that, germination is slow and patchy, and seed is more likely to rot than sprout. Measure at around 5cm down, in the morning, rather than trusting air temperature.

How deep and how far apart should I sow Aubergine 'Black Beauty'?

For Aubergine 'Black Beauty', sow it 1cm deep and space plants 60cm apart.

How long does Aubergine 'Black Beauty' take to grow?

Aubergine 'Black Beauty' takes roughly 150 days from sowing to harvest. Seed usually germinates in about 18 days.

Is Aubergine 'Black Beauty' frost hardy?

No. Aubergine 'Black Beauty' is not frost hardy. Do not put it outside until the risk of frost has passed in your area, and be ready to fleece it if a late frost is forecast.

Sowing data cross-checked against RHS growing guides and UK seed-merchant catalogues. Soil temperatures are the minimum for reliable germination, measured at seed depth.