Vegetable

• Crops in : 75 days
• Ideal for : Containers, Patios

Description

The compact, spineless plants of Aubergine Calliope produce a heavy crop of baby 5cm (2in) fruits that mature to bitter free, oval, 10cm (4in) fruits of a beautiful cream streaked purple colour.

Aubergine Calliope is ideal for growing in a container on the patio, or in the greenhouse.

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds on the surface of a good, free-draining, moist, seed compost and cover with a 6mm (¼in) layer of vermiculite or compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag at constant 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination which takes 10 -14 days.

Sow seeds February-May for growing indoors.

Sow seeds March-April for growing outdoors.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on steadily in a slightly reduced temperature. Pot on finally into a larger container or 2 plants per growbag, or outdoors once plants have been acclimatised to conditions and after all risk of frost has passed. It is not necessary to pinch out growth or sideshoot.

Aftercare

Grow indoors, or outside in rich soil, in a sunny situation.

Once first flowers have set, feed and water regularly with a high potash tomato feed. Harvest regularly to promote further flowers and to extend the picking season.

Nutritional Information

Aubergines are a good source of viscous fibre which has been shown to reduce the absorption of cholesterol. They contain Vitamins E & K and are high in potassium, folate and magnesium.