How to Grow Aubergine Meatloaf F1 from Seed

Growing aubergine Meatloaf F1 from seed is an excellent way to enjoy a unique and flavorful vegetable in the warmer months of the year. These compact, disease-resistant plants produce an abundance of glossy, purple fruit that is perfect for grilling, baking, and more.

Sowing Your Seeds

To sow your aubergine Meatloaf F1 seeds, fill small pots or seed trays with seed compost that is rich in nutrients and well-draining. Plant the seeds about 1cm deep and water well. Keep the compost moist, but not waterlogged, and place the pots or trays in a warm, sunny location.

Your aubergine seeds should germinate within 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have grown to about 10cm tall and have a few true leaves, transplant them into larger pots.

In the UK, it is best to sow your aubergine seeds indoors in March or April. This will give the plants plenty of time to grow and mature before the warmer weather arrives in the summer.

Planting Outdoors

Once the risk of frost has passed and the outdoor temperature has warmed up, move your aubergine Meatloaf F1 plants outdoors. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and space your plants about 60cm apart.

To help your aubergine plants thrive, add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering to prevent fungal diseases. Mulch the soil around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Your Aubergine

Your aubergine Meatloaf F1 plants should begin to produce fruit within 8-10 weeks of planting. The aubergines will ripen gradually over the course of a few weeks, so be sure to check your plants regularly and pick the fruit as soon as it is ripe.

In the UK, aubergine is typically ready to be harvested in the summer, from June through September. To tell if an aubergine is ripe, look for a deep purple color and give it a gentle squeeze. If it is firm but not hard, it is ready to be picked. Cut the aubergine from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.

Once picked, enjoy your aubergine Meatloaf F1 fresh or use it in your favorite recipes. It has a unique, rich flavor that is perfect for use in vegetarian dishes like meatloaf.