Vegetable

Aubergine

Solanum melongena

Glossy purple Mediterranean staple — loves a sunny sheltered spot.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Regular

Soil

Rich, well-drained

Difficulty

Medium

Container

Yes

Edible part

Fruit

Lifecycle

Annual

Hardiness

Tender

mediterraneansummertender

Plants well with

Where to source

Get growing in United Kingdom

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Thompson & Morgan

Stocks early-maturing aubergine varieties bred for cooler UK summers and shorter growing seasons.

Crocus

Offers large terracotta pots ideal for container-growing heat-loving aubergines on London patios.

Amazon UK

Supplies specialist aubergine supports and ties useful for staking plants in variable UK weather.