Alchimia presents the Chinese Bitter Aubergine, Solanum aethiopicum acuelatum. It is an ancient variety that produces small, round, ribbed fruits of about 5cm. The fruits are distinguished by a beautiful vibrant red colour, and valued for a fine texture, although offering a rather bitter taste which makes them especially popular in Asian cuisine.
To cultivate these aubergines, it is recommended to start by sowing them in pots. Ideally, they should be planted at a temperature of about 24°C, under a well-lit shelter, for about 10 weeks before transplanting them into soil. Once the plants have reached a 2-3-leaf stage, they can be transplanted into individual pots or place them in a nursery. After the last frost, it is advisable to transplant the entire root ball, burying the stem up to the first leaves, with about 50cm between each plant. To accelerate germination, first place the seeds in the refrigerator for a week, at a temperature of 4-5°C.
The cultivation requires full sun exposure to ensure good growth. In cold climates areas, it is best to grow them under cover, e.g., in a greenhouse. The ideal soil for these plants is humus, well-drained, rich, and pre-warmed.
Indoor sowing period generally extends from February to April, while harvesting can take place from July to October, depending on local climatic conditions. Plants can be cultivated in open ground, in pots or in greenhouses, which offers some versatility. They generally reach up to 80-100cm, producing ribbed fruits of 5-8cm in size, and weight from 50-100g. They are distinguished by a bright orange colour.
