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Plant Count: 3
We are offering three (3) x Aubergine Black Beauty plug plants ready for potting on and growing on in frost free greenhouse or on sunny windowsill ready for planting out as soon as last frosts have passed
Aubergine Black Beauty is a pear shaped, open pollinated variety, producing deep purple fruits. Fruit size is 15 x 12cm. A popular amateur variety, but not as reliable as the F1 varieties available.
Black Beauty is relatively early and you will be picking fruits from August onwards, or when fruits are at least about 12cm long and the skin surface is still shiny, as once they lose the shine they start to become bitter.
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 6-9 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.
Cropping Time 80 days
When plug plants arrive transplant into individual 7.5cm (3") pots of compost and grow on at a minimum temperature of 15C (59F).
When plants are well grown, transplant into baskets and containers. If the plant is suited for growing outdoors when all risk of frost has passed gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before positioning baskets outdoors in a sheltered position in full sun once all frost risk has passed.
Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers.
Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.