🍆 Sowing Aubergine Seeds for Greenhouse Growing

Aubergines thrive in warm, protected conditions, which makes greenhouse growing the most reliable option for UK gardeners. Success starts with sowing seeds at the right time and raising strong plants that are ready to move into the greenhouse when conditions are suitable.

This guide explains how and when to sow aubergine seeds specifically for greenhouse growing, so plants establish quickly and crop well.

⭐ Check Out Our Recommended Products

• Aubergine Seeds

Choose good-quality seeds from a reliable supplier to improve germination rates and produce stronger, more productive plants, especially important with heat-loving crops like aubergines.
Click here to see them

• Seed Compost

Fine, low-nutrient seed compost provides the right balance of moisture and drainage, helping aubergine seeds germinate evenly without rotting.
Click here to see them

• Propagators

A propagator helps maintain consistent warmth and humidity, which is crucial for aubergine seed germination, particularly in late winter and early spring.
Click here to see them

• Seed Trays & Module Pots

Using seed trays or module pots keeps seedlings organised, improves drainage, and makes potting on easier with minimal root disturbance.

📅 Best Time to Sow Aubergine Seeds for Greenhouse Growing

For greenhouse crops, sow aubergine seeds from mid-February to early March.

This timing allows plants to grow steadily without being held back indoors for too long before moving into the greenhouse.

• Mid-February – ideal with good warmth and light
• Early March – safest option for most gardeners
• Late March – possible, but plants may be smaller

Earlier sowing is only worthwhile if you have reliable heat and lighting.

🌡️ Temperature Requirements at Sowing

Aubergine seeds need consistent warmth to germinate.

• Ideal germination temperature: 22–28°C
• Below 18°C: slow or unreliable germination

Start seeds indoors where temperatures are stable, even if they will eventually be grown in the greenhouse.

🌱 How to Sow Aubergine Seeds

For best results:

• Use fine seed compost
• Sow seeds 3–5mm deep
• Water lightly before sowing
• Keep compost moist but not wet
• Place containers in a warm location

Seeds usually germinate within 7–14 days under good conditions.

🏡 Why Start Aubergine Seeds Indoors?

Even for greenhouse crops, indoor sowing is recommended because:

• Unheated greenhouses are too cold early in the year
• Night temperatures often drop sharply
• Indoor conditions are more reliable for germination

Seedlings can be moved to the greenhouse later, once temperatures improve.

🌞 Light Needs After Germination

Once seedlings emerge:

• Move them to the brightest location available
• Aim for 6–8 hours of strong daylight, or
• 12–16 hours under grow lights

Good light prevents leggy growth and helps plants establish strong stems.

🪴 When to Move Aubergines into the Greenhouse

Aubergines should only be moved into the greenhouse when:

• Night temperatures stay above 12–14°C
• Plants are strong and well rooted
• Frost risk has passed

In many parts of the UK, this is usually late April to May, depending on weather and greenhouse protection.

🌿 Spacing and Pot Size for Greenhouse Plants

In the greenhouse:

• Grow plants in large pots or grow bags
• Allow good airflow around plants
• Avoid overcrowding, which reduces flowering

Warm soil and good spacing help improve fruit set.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Moving plants into the greenhouse too early
• Allowing temperatures to drop overnight
• Insufficient light after germination
• Overwatering young seedlings

Most greenhouse problems start with poor early conditions.

🧠 Key Takeaway

For greenhouse growing, sow aubergine seeds indoors in mid-February to early March, then move plants into the greenhouse once temperatures are consistently warm. Strong starts lead to healthier plants, earlier flowering, and better harvests.

Patience early on pays off later in the season.