Packet Content (approx) 12

Aubergine Moneymaker F1 is a very productive, extra early variety. Produce’s reliable yields of glossy black, semi-long, slender, deep purple fruits, with an excellent flavour whether it’s grown in container on the patio, vegetable garden, cultivation in Grow bags, greenhouse and in pots or containers or in the allotment.

Aubergines can be easily produced in Britain, although usually grown in warmer climates, either raised in a glasshouse or plastic tunnel, in grow bags, in a sheltered sunny spot in a garden or even on a patio in a tub if sheltered from cool winds.

Sowing:

Aubergine Moneymaker F1 seeds from February to May for indoor cultivation or March to April for growing outdoors. Soaking seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing this will assist germination.

Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed compost and cover with 5mm layer of compost. Place in a propagator or seal the container inside a polythene bag at constant temperature of 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination which takes 10-14 days.

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 grow bag, or outdoors in the open bed plant 70cm apart once plants have been acclimatized to conditions and after all risk of frost has passed. Plants are supported with vertical strings or canes, and also with horizontal ties or loops around the plants to keep them from sprawling if 2-3 stems are allowed to develop. How much pruning to do to avoid over cropping is a matter of some difference of opinion. While 2 or 3 stems can be taken, plants can be maintained on one stem with side shoots reduced beyond the flowers which form. The basic object is to aim for 5-6 fruits per plant, though this can be exceeded on longer term culture. Lower leaves are removed as they become yellow, otherwise they will trail and become diseased.

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.

Suitable for the garden, allotments and containers.

Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.