How to grow aubergine in greenhouse?
Hey fellow greenhouse enthusiast! I've been growing aubergines in my polytunnel for 5 years now, and here are my hard-won tips:
The soil prep is everything - I mix in loads of well-rotted manure and compost since they're hungry plants. I also add a handful of organic tomato fertilizer to each planting hole. They need consistent moisture but hate wet feet, so raised beds work great.
The pollination tip nobody told me: you REALLY need to help them along in a greenhouse. I go out every morning when flowers are open and give each plant a good shake. Some varieties like 'Fairy Tale' seem to set fruit easier than others.
Pest watch: red spider mite can be brutal in greenhouses. I introduce predatory mites early in the season as prevention. Also, watch for aphids - a strong spray of water usually handles them.
The reward is amazing though - I harvest from July right through to October!
Growing aubergines (eggplants) in a greenhouse can give you an amazing harvest since they love the warmth! Here's what I've learned over several seasons:
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost - they need warm soil (75-85°F) to germinate well. Transplant into your greenhouse when plants are 6-8 inches tall and soil temperature is at least 60°F. Space them 18-24 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of compost.
Greenhouse growing means you need to hand pollinate - gently shake plants when flowers appear or use a small paintbrush to transfer pollen. They're heavy feeders, so fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Support plants with stakes as the fruits can get heavy!
Watch for spider mites and whiteflies in the greenhouse environment. Good ventilation is crucial to prevent diseases.
The Greenhouse Gardening Forum has some great specialized tips!
As a commercial greenhouse grower, I can tell you aubergines absolutely thrive under protection! The key advantages are earlier harvests, longer season, and protection from pests. Here's my professional approach:
Temperature management is critical - ideal is 70-85°F daytime, not dropping below 60°F at night. Use thermal mass like water barrels to stabilize temperatures. We use drip irrigation with a balanced fertilizer solution throughout the growing season.
For varieties, I recommend 'Black Beauty' or 'Japanese Long' for greenhouse conditions. They set fruit better in protected environments. Prune to 3-4 main stems and remove some flowers if the plant sets too many fruits at once - this gives you larger, better quality aubergines.
Harvest when skins are glossy and firm - dull skin means overmaturity. Use pruning shears to cut rather than pull to avoid damaging the plant.