When to plant eggplant
Eggplant is frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–4 weeks after it. Plant when the soil is at least 65°F.
Eggplant dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Start indoors | Feb 9–23 |
|---|---|
| Transplant outside | May 4–18 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Jul 31 |
| Soil temperature | 65°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 65–85 |
| Spacing | 18–24 in apart |
Your eggplant year
- Start indoors
- Transplant outside
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for eggplant
- Eggplant wants the warmest spot you have; black plastic mulch helps in short seasons.
- Row cover keeps flea beetles off young plants; remove it when flowers open.
- Harvest while the skin is still glossy; dull skin means seeds are getting tough.
Work out indoor sowing for everything at once with the seed starting calculator.
When to plant eggplant in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Apr 13–27 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Feb 8–22 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Apr 13–27 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Mar 16–30 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Apr 7–21 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | May 14–28 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | May 7–21 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Apr 15–29 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Mar 11–25 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Apr 14–28 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | May 4–18 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Apr 13–27 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | May 5–19 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Apr 11–25 |
Eggplant planting FAQ
When should I plant eggplant?
Eggplant is frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–4 weeks after it. Plant when the soil is at least 65°F.
How many days until eggplant is ready to harvest?
Most eggplant varieties take about 65–85 days from transplanting. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can eggplant survive frost?
No. Eggplant is damaged or killed by a 32°F frost, so wait until after your last frost and cover plants if a late frost is forecast.
How far apart should I plant eggplant?
Space eggplant 18–24 in apart.
What is the last date I can plant eggplant?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing eggplant
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.