Overwintering ......... aubergines

[Chippy Minton]

I've had a quick search and can find lots of threads on overwintering chillies and other capsicums, and lots on how early aubergines need to be sown, but has anyone ever overwintered aubergines?

Despite my complaints in the thread below we actually managed to end up with 4 plants, and got aubergines off them. Then we went on holiday and it actually got warm here in Cheshire, they dried out and died...... But I did notice a couple of bits of green so watered them and they came back to life.... Now 5 months later the Lazarus aubergines are still alive and actually still flowering!

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...s-doing-8.html

So, has anyone overwintered them before? How long should an aubergine plant last (previously working on them being annual)? What can I expect (early aubergines)?

[Penellype]

Aubergines are perennial, but not at all frost hardy, so you will need to keep the temperature above freezing to over winter them. If you can keep them free of disease (they are rather susceptible to mould due to the velvety leaves) I'd expect they would produce fruit a bit earlier than plants grown from seed. I've not tried this with aubergines but thats what happens with overwintered tomatoes.

[bravo2zero]

They are perrenials from TROPICAL CLIMATES, unless you can provide the light and warmth forget it. Ive still not found the sweet spot in my plot for em

[Chippy Minton]

Thanks B2Z, they're growing on the office / music / junk room windowsill, above a radiator and South West facing so they seem quite happy. Will let you know how we go.....