Vegetable

• Crops in : July to October

Description

Attractive, virtually spineless, dwarf plants yield an abundant crop of 'baby' fruits, 5cm (2in) in length. Aubergine Orlando produces finger-length aubergines that have beautiful dark-purple skins and are not at all bitter tasting.

Aubergine Orlando is excellent for growing in the greenhouse or on a sunny patio in containers. Seeds are in the RHS Vegetable Collection.

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds February to April. Place seeds on the surface of a free-draining compost and cover with about 6mm (¼in) of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination, which takes 10-14 days.

Growing Instructions

Maintain temperature about 15C (60F). Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final position when plants are 10cm (4in) high, 45cm (18in) apart.

For indoor crops plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in containers for the patio, or in sunny, fertile, moist, well-drained soil, after all risk of frost has passed.

Aftercare

Feed plants weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set. It is not necessary to pinch out growth or side-shoot. Harvest fruits regularly to promote further flowers and to extend the picking season.