Crops in: 45 Days

Height: 12 inches

Description: From South America, this Aubergine is a striking red colour and the size of a tennis-ball. An unusual and interesting colour to add to vegetable dishes. A good cropper, producing a generous helping of fruit throughout summer.

Sowing Instructions: Sow January to May for growing indoors, Sow March to May for growing outdoors. Germinate at 20-24C (68-75F) on the surface of a free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a layer of compost or vermiculite, 6mm (¼in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 8-21 days.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler, well lit conditions. FOR INDOOR GROWING: Pot on into 20cm (8in) pots when well grown. Pinch out growing point when 15cm (9in) high, remove sidehshoots and feed every 14 days with tomato fertiliser. Provide plenty of water, especially in dry weather. Tap the flowers daily to assist pollination. Cease feeding once fruits have fully formed, and harvest once fruit is the desired size. OUTDOOR GROWING: Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions before planting out after all risk of frost. Grow in coldfames or in the open ground, 45-60cm (18-24in) apart in a warm, sheltered spot.