Aubergine Plant 'Black Beauty'

This variety of aubergine (sometimes known as the eggplant due to its shape) doesn't seem to absorb the oil as much as other varieties, making it even more delicious! Its striking purple-black fruits have a lovely texture and whilst being popular for Mediterranean and Asian cooking are increasingly being used in the UK too. They make a simply yummy moussaka!

Black Beauty produces a heavy crop if grown under protection - but will perform reasonably in a sunny spot outside, sheltered from cold winds.

• Pot into small pots April-May.
• For outdoor growing transplant outside after the risk of frost has passed into a sunny sheltered spot; plant out 36" (90 cm) apart in rows 36" (90 cm) apart and provide a sturdy support.
• For greenhouse or polytunnel growing plant out into either larger pots or growbags.
• Provide a sturdy support.
• Well suited to growing in polytunnels, though ensure good ventilation (without cold draughts); flowers rotting before fruit is a sure sign of bad ventilation.
• Harvest August-October.
• Average yield is around 4-5lbs (1.8-2.3 kg) per plant.