Aubergine : Moneymaker F1. Hybrid

Vegetable

• Ideal for : Patios

Description

Early and reliable, Aubergine Moneymaker is high yielding, producing tasty, long, slender, matt purple fruits.

Sowing Instructions

Sow January to April for growing under glass, March to April for planting outdoors, in pots of moist seed compost and cover with a 6mm (¼ inch) layer of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a constant temperature of between 20-25C (68-77F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 10-14 days.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3 inch) pots, later pot on into 20cm (8 inch) containers. Feed every 14 days with tomato fertiliser once the first fruits have set. Provide plenty of water, especially in dry weather. Tap flowers daily to assist pollination. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out 45cm (18 inches) apart in a warm, sheltered spot. Give plants support, and feed every 14 days with tomato fertiliser.

Aftercare

Cease feeding when fruits are fully formed, and harvest at their desired size.

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.