Crop type: Aubergines
Solanum melongena ‘Galine’
Common name: Aubergine ‘Galine’
Crop slug: aubergines
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile. Check the source and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Galine’ is a compact, bushy annual aubergine suitable for a patio pot as well as protected edible growing. Its green leaves and purple flowers are followed by a generous crop of very glossy purple fruits shaped like oversized eggs.
The compact habit is useful where greenhouse or patio space is limited. It retains the familiar rich-purple aubergine appearance in a smaller plant, making container growing practical without sacrificing a recognisable crop.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 0.5–1 metre
- Ultimate spread
- 0.5–1 metre
- Time to ultimate size
- 1 year
Plan for a bush that may approach one metre in both directions. A container should provide enough root volume and stability for a mature plant carrying several heavy fruits.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Chalk, clay, loam and sand
- Moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline or neutral
The cultivar accepts varied soil textures and pH levels. Use fertile soil or compost that retains an even supply of moisture while draining surplus water, particularly when growing in pots.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun
- Aspect
- Not specified by the profile
- Exposure
- Not specified by the profile
- Hardiness
- H1c — suitable outdoors in summer warmth but needing protection from temperatures near or below 5°C
Full sun is the key stated position requirement. In practice this tender annual benefits from greenhouse protection or a warm patio after all frost risk has passed.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
| Season | Flowers | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | Purple |
| Autumn | Purple | Green | Purple |
Very glossy, egg-shaped purple fruits are the main ornamental and edible feature. Their comparatively small size complements the cultivar's compact container habit.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
- Accepted
Genus
Solanum includes annuals, perennials, shrubs and twining climbers, with simple or pinnately lobed foliage. Five-lobed flowers with prominent stamens develop into fleshy fruits.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Grow ‘Galine’ in fertile, moisture-retentive soil with free drainage and good light. It can grow outdoors during summer in a sufficiently warm position, while greenhouse cultivation supplies more consistent heat. Container plants need regular watering because their compost dries faster than open ground.
Propagation
Propagate from seed indoors. Maintain warmth for germination and strong light for young plants, then wait until frost risk has ended before moving them into unheated conditions.
Suggested locations
- Edible gardens
- Patio containers
- Conservatories and greenhouses
Pruning
The profile assigns pruning group 1, so extensive pruning is unnecessary. Remove damaged growth and manage the plant with the light pinching and support normally used for aubergines.
Pests
‘Galine’ may be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite and two-spotted mite. Inspect foliage, particularly the undersides of leaves, throughout protected cultivation.
Diseases
Honey fungus is identified as a possible but rare disease. Avoid unnecessary root stress and maintain clean growing conditions.