With Long Purple you can look forward to good quality dark glossy fruits. This is a reliable and tasty variety that can have a good yield – producing its fruits in clusters with 3 or 4 fruits in each one. Price for 20 seeds
SOW: early spring (March) indoors, preferably in a propagator. Pot on when about 5cm high and keep in good light and warm at night. If you can provide winter warmth (15°C) you can start sow in November and overwinter the young plants.
GROW: plant out when all danger of frost has passed – in a greenhouse or a warm, sheltered spot. They like high humidity so if you can place water next to them for constant evaporation. Nip out the main stem when about 25cm high to encourage side shoots. Also remove fruits from the main stem. When the fruits start to develop feed with a tomato fertiliser every 2 weeks, keep the plants well watered. Protect from frost in the autumn while the last fruits are finishing.
EAT: prepare them carefully. Aubergines will absorb flavours – garlic or herbs bring a fresh dimension to aubergine dishes.
