Can You Keep Aubergine Plants Over Winter

Yes, you can keep aubergine plants over winter, and with a little care, they’ll reward you with a head start next season.
 
Aubergines are tender perennials, which means they can live for years in the right conditions, even though we usually grow them as annuals.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s worth the effort to keep aubergine plants over winter, the answer is a resounding yes, especially if you had a variety you loved.
 
In this post, we’ll look at how to keep aubergine plants over winter, the best methods for overwintering aubergine plants, and the common pitfalls to avoid.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why You Can Keep Aubergine Plants Over Winter

You can keep aubergine plants over winter because they are tropical perennials at heart.
 
Native to warm regions, aubergines don’t die after fruiting; they just slow down when temperatures drop.
 
Here’s why overwintering aubergine plants works so well:
 

1. Aubergines Are Perennial by Nature

In their native habitats, aubergine plants live for several years, producing fruit season after season.
 
The only reason we treat them as annuals is because frost kills them.
 
So if you can protect them from cold, you can keep aubergine plants over winter and enjoy a second year of harvests.
 

2. They Respond Well to Pruning

Aubergine plants take kindly to a hard prune at the end of the season.
 
Cutting them back reduces stress and encourages fresh, healthy growth when warmth returns.
 
This makes overwintering aubergine plants easier than you might think.
 

3. You Get a Head Start Next Year

An overwintered aubergine plant is already mature, so it fruits earlier than a new seedling.
 
That means you could be picking aubergines weeks before your neighbours.
 
Keeping aubergine plants over winter is basically a shortcut to an earlier harvest.
 

How to Keep Aubergine Plants Over Winter

There are a few proven ways to keep aubergine plants over winter, depending on your climate and space.
 
Here are the best methods:
 

1. Bring Them Indoors

The simplest way to overwinter aubergine plants is to move them inside before the first frost.
 
A sunny windowsill, conservatory, or heated greenhouse works perfectly.
 
Aim for a spot that gets at least six hours of light and stays above 10°C (50°F).
 

2. Prune Before Moving

Before you bring aubergine plants in, cut the stems back to about 30 cm (12 inches).
 
Remove all remaining fruit, flowers, and yellowing leaves.
 
This helps the plant conserve energy and reduces the risk of pests coming indoors.
 

3. Keep Them in a Cool but Frost-Free Spot

Aubergines don’t need tropical heat in winter, just frost-free conditions.
 
A cool room or greenhouse at around 10–15°C (50–59°F) is ideal.
 
Water sparingly, letting the soil dry out slightly between waterings, because soggy roots are the quickest way to lose aubergine plants over winter.
 

4. Use Grow Lights if Needed

If natural light is scarce, a simple grow light keeps aubergine plants over winter in good shape.
 
Just a few hours of supplemental light daily prevents them from becoming leggy and weak.
 

5. Take Cuttings as a Backup

If you’re worried about losing the parent plant, take cuttings in late summer.
 
Root them in water or moist compost, and you’ll have new aubergine plants to overwinter.
 
This is a smart insurance policy when keeping aubergine plants over winter.
 

Common Mistakes When Overwintering Aubergine Plants

Even though you can keep aubergine plants over winter, a few slip-ups can sabotage your efforts.
 
Watch out for these:
 

1. Overwatering

Aubergines hate wet feet, especially in winter.
 
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, otherwise root rot sets in fast.
 

2. Letting Them Freeze

A single frosty night can kill aubergine plants you’ve worked hard to keep.
 
Always check temperatures and move plants indoors well before cold snaps.
 

3. Skipping the Prune

Unpruned aubergine plants struggle indoors, attracting pests and diseases.
 
A good cutback is essential for successful overwintering aubergine plants.
 

4. Ignoring Pests

Aphids and whiteflies love warm indoor conditions.
 
Inspect your aubergine plants regularly and treat any infestations early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
 

So, Can You Keep Aubergine Plants Over Winter?

You can keep aubergine plants over winter, and it’s a rewarding way to get a jump on the growing season.
 
With the right light, temperature, and a little pruning, overwintering aubergine plants is very doable.
 
Just avoid overwatering, protect them from frost, and keep an eye out for pests.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand how to keep aubergine plants over winter so you can enjoy homegrown aubergines earlier than ever.