This popular variety of aubergine is chosen for its excellent crop of glossy black skinned fruits, that can be picked through the summer season and into autumn. The tasty cream coloured flesh is perfect for using in a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes when picked while the fruits are small, or you can allow them to form larger fruits that can then be sliced or stuffed and baked. Best grown in a greenhouse for a longer cropping season, but also suitable for sunny summer patios.Sow aubergine seeds from February to May for indoor cultivation or March to April for growing outdoors. Soaking them in warm water for 24 hours before sowing will assist germination. Sow seeds on the surface of a free draining, moist seed compost and cover with 6mm (0.25") layer of vermiculite or compost. Place in a propagator or seal the container inside a polythene bag at constant temperature of 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination which takes 10-14 days. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, care