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Solanum melongena 'Black Egg'

Solanum melongena 'Black Egg'

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AubergineFruitFamily: Solanaceae

Height: 90cmSpread: 30cm
Tender

Flower colour:

Purple

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Soil

Prefers rich soil

Also known as eggplant, due to the shape of the fruit of earlier varieties, aubergines are becoming an increasingly popular choice for the grow-your-own enthusiast. Given a good summer, plants can be very productive, especially when grown under glass. However, aubergine plants are sensitive to cold winds and heavy rain, making them less reliable when grown outdoors.

Solanum melongena 'Black Egg' is a Japanese heirloom variety, bearing purple flowers and purple-black fruit. Stems and leaves have a purple hue. It's more tolerant of cooler climates than many varieties and fruits set early – making it ideal for shorter seasons.

Pinch out growing tips when 30cm high to encourage branching, feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser once plants have started to flower, and mist fruits with water to encourage fruit set. Remove fruiting sideshoots after five to six fruits have set, and pick fruits before the skin loses its gloss – a symptom of over-ripeness.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyes**yesPlantyes**yesFlowersyes**yesFruitsyesyesyesHarvestyesyesyes

Solanum ‘Black egg’ and wildlife

Solanum ‘Black egg’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is not known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Solanum ‘Black egg’ poisonous?

Solanum ‘Black egg’ can be toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract Horses

Horses

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People