Growing aubergine in pots

Which varieties of aubergines to grow in pots?

To ensure the productivity of your container crops, it is advisable to choose varieties of eggplants that are perfectly suited for pot cultivation. The eggplant grows as a medium-sized bush, but there are now dwarf and compact cultivars, ideal for gardeners with limited space.

Rosa Bianca Eggplant – © Leonora (Ellie) Enking – Flickr

• The ‘Blanche Ronde à Œuf’ is a dwarf variety, growing to 25 to 35 cm in height, producing particularly intriguing round white fruits.
• The ‘Ophelia’ eggplant is also a dwarf variety. It has a compact habit and does not exceed 25 to 35 cm in height, making it easy to grow in containers.
• The ‘Morden Midget’ is a very early small eggplant that grows on a compact plant, making it well-suited for pot cultivation.
• The ‘Rotonda Bianca’, a variety with round fruits tinged with lavender pink, reaches a maximum height of 30 cm at ripeness.
• Finally, the ‘Pusa Purple Cluster NT’, although slightly taller at 50 cm, is an early variety that does not require much space to produce its clusters of small purple fruits.

What pot to use for growing aubergines?

The pot size depends on the chosen cultivar. Indeed, the larger the eggplant variety grows, the larger the pot should be as well.

It is recommended to use a pot that is at least 30 cm deep and 40 to 45 cm in diameter if you are growing dwarf varieties of eggplant.

For larger cultivars, opt for a container that is bigger, with 60 cm in depth and at least 50 cm in diameter.

Be careful, eggplants are sensitive to stagnant moisture. Therefore, choose a pot with drainage holes for better drainage.

What substrate should be preferred for growing aubergines in pots?

Gourmet plants, aubergines require a rich, light, cool substrate, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. To provide them with the essential nutrients for their growth, preferably choose a loamy compost mix (formed of sand, silt, and clay) or a vegetable compost for sun vegetables. Add to this well-matured compost to ensure your aubergines have sufficiently moist soil.

When and how to plant and sow aubergines in pots?

Generally, young plants of aubergine obtained by sowing are transplanted to their final location in spring, when all risk of frost has passed. However, in the case of aubergines grown in pots, the operation can take place during summer, and even in early autumn. Care should be taken to move the pots according to the temperature, especially at night.

© Amy Truter – Flickr

Sowing aubergines should take place in a space that provides enough warmth for the seeds to germinate. A temperature above 20°C is thus necessary to initiate the germination process. If it is not warm enough outside, place your aubergine sowings indoors to start their growth.

When the plants reach the stage of four leaves, transplant them into individual pots of suitable size for the chosen cultivar.

Once in place in their respective containers, aubergines still need warmth to develop and produce fruit. They must therefore be kept at a temperature above 10°C.

Where to place aubergine pots?

We have seen that the aubergine needs a warm and sunny outdoor location to receive direct sunlight. Note that west and south orientations are the most suitable for growing aubergines.

© Pete Birkinshaw – Flickr

Make sure to place your pots sheltered from strong winds, while ensuring good air circulation.

How to care for aubergines in pots?

Staking Aubergines in Pots

Aubergines grow as bushes, and their fruits are generally quite heavy. Therefore, whether in pots or in the ground, it is better to tie the plants to a stake for support.

© Leonora (Ellie) Enking – Flickr

The setup is incredibly simple, as you just need to plant the stake in the pot and attach the plant to it. It is also possible to use a cage here to prevent the plant from falling over.

Watering Aubergines in Pots

Aubergines particularly enjoy uniformly moist soil, but without standing water.

You should water them regularly to keep the substrate consistently fresh, but do so each time with moderate amounts of water to avoid waterlogging the soil and causing root rot.

Don’t hesitate to cover the surface of the pot with a good layer of organic mulch to help keep the substrate fresh for longer (it prevents water evaporation).

Fertilising Aubergines in Pots

As we have seen, aubergines are nutrient-hungry plants. To ensure better productivity, regularly provide them with liquid fertiliser rich in potash and magnesium.

Pruning Aubergines in Pots

Pruning and removing suckers from your potted aubergine plants is not obligatory. However, this operation can again improve the productivity of your plants.

© Andy Roberts – Flickr

Once your aubergine plants have reached their full ripeness, watch for the appearance of suckers and remove them as they appear.

Also, remove any yellowed or diseased leaves from your plants, and prune any spindly branches that are growing too tall.