Crop type: Aubergines
Solanum melongena ‘Kaberi’
Common name: Aubergine ‘Kaberi’
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
‘Kaberi’ is a compact, bushy annual aubergine bred for container growing. Green leaves and purple flowers develop into a heavy crop of small, egg-shaped, dark-purple fruits that mature quickly. The cultivar is also described as thornless, making routine handling and harvesting more comfortable.
Its contained habit suits a sunny patio pot or greenhouse where a full-sized aubergine would take too much space. Small fruits allow the plant to carry a larger number than cultivars grown for a few substantial aubergines.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 0.5–1 metre
- Ultimate spread
- 0.5–1 metre
- Time to ultimate size
- 1 year
Allow space for a bush approaching one metre across, even though the cultivar is considered compact. Use a stable container and support fruiting stems if the heavy crop begins to pull them down.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Chalk, clay, loam and sand
- Moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline or neutral
‘Kaberi’ accepts a broad range of soil types and pH values. Fertility, even moisture and good drainage are more important than a particular soil texture. Containers need close attention during hot weather because they dry rapidly.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun
- Aspect
- Not specified by the profile
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H1c — suitable outside only in warm summer conditions and requiring protection as temperatures approach 5°C
Provide full sun and shelter, ideally under glass or in the warmest protected outdoor position after frost. Bring movable containers back under cover before autumn nights become cold.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
| Season | Flowers | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | Dark purple |
| Autumn | Purple | Green | Dark purple |
The plant combines purple flowers with numerous glossy, egg-shaped fruits. These small dark-purple aubergines are its strongest identifying feature.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
- Unresolved
Genus
Solanum includes annual and perennial plants, evergreen or deciduous shrubs and twining climbers. The simple or lobed foliage supports five-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits.
The unresolved name status is retained from the profile and should not be treated as a rejection of the plant's horticultural usefulness.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive soil or compost with good drainage and strong light. ‘Kaberi’ can spend summer outdoors in a warm location, although greenhouse conditions give this tender plant greater consistency. Water containers regularly and support stems carrying a heavy crop.
Propagation
Raise plants from seed indoors. Supply warmth for germination and bright growing conditions, then delay outdoor placement until after the final frost.
Suggested locations
- Patio containers
- Edible gardens
- Conservatories and greenhouses
Pruning
The profile assigns pruning group 1, indicating that hard pruning is not required. Use only routine removal of damaged growth and normal aubergine crop management.
Pests
Possible pests include aphids, glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite and two-spotted mite. Check leaves and growing tips frequently, particularly under glass.
Diseases
Honey fungus is listed as a possible but rare problem. Maintain healthy roots and clean cultivation practices.