UK sowing calendar
When to sow aubergine in the UK
🫙 Best under glass — greenhouse or polytunnel in most of the UK
Aubergine sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Jan-Mar |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Greenhouse-only in most of the UK; plant out late May in the mildest spots |
| Harvest | Jul-Oct |
Very tender and needs 5+ months plus warmth (21C to germinate), so it prefers to be under cover all season in a greenhouse or polytunnel. Sow Jan in a heated greenhouse or early Mar otherwise; outdoor crops are marginal and only worth trying in a hot, sheltered spot in the warmest regions.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for aubergine.
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When to sow aubergine in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow aubergine in the UK?
Sow aubergine under cover Jan-Mar, then outdoors greenhouse-only in most of the uk; plant out late may in the mildest spots. Very tender and needs 5+ months plus warmth (21C to germinate), so it prefers to be under cover all season in a greenhouse or polytunnel. Sow Jan in a heated greenhouse or early Mar otherwise; outdoor crops are marginal and only worth trying in a hot, sheltered spot in the warmest regions.
Can you sow aubergine outdoors in the UK?
Aubergine is tender and largely greenhouse-only in the UK — outdoors it is marginal and only worth trying in the warmest, most sheltered spots. Very tender and needs 5+ months plus warmth (21C to germinate), so it prefers to be under cover all season in a greenhouse or polytunnel. Sow Jan in a heated greenhouse or early Mar otherwise; outdoor crops are marginal and only worth trying in a hot, sheltered spot in the warmest regions.
When is aubergine ready to harvest in the UK?
Aubergine is typically harvested Jul-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow aubergine?
It depends on the month and your region. Aubergine has a UK outdoor window of greenhouse-only in most of the uk; plant out late may in the mildest spots; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.