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    Free guide · USDA zones 3–10

    When to plant eggplant 🍆

    Eggplant takes 65–90 days to mature, spaced 24" apart at 0.25" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.

    Planting dates by USDA zone

    ZoneStart indoorsTransplantHarvest
    Zone 3March 16 – March 30June 8 – June 22August 17 – September 14
    Zone 4March 6 – March 20May 29 – June 12August 7 – September 4
    Zone 5February 21 – March 6May 15 – May 29July 24 – August 21
    Zone 6February 5 – February 19April 29 – May 13July 8 – August 5
    Zone 7January 22 – February 5April 15 – April 29June 24 – July 22
    Zone 8January 5 – January 19March 29 – April 12June 7 – July 5
    Zone 9December 7 – December 21February 29 – March 14May 9 – June 6
    Zone 10November 21 – December 5February 13 – February 27April 23 – May 21

    Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.

    Get your personalized eggplant planting dates

    Care tips

    • Loves heat — wait for 65°F+ nights to transplant.
    • Stake to support heavy fruit.
    • Pick when skin is glossy; dull skin = overripe.

    Good companions

    Beans, Pepper, Marigold.

    Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables

    Track your eggplant harvest with BotaNotes

    Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.

    Frequently asked questions

    When should I start eggplant seeds indoors in zone 5?▾

    In USDA zone 5, start eggplant seeds indoors between February 21 and March 6 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).

    When should I start eggplant seeds indoors in zone 6?▾

    In USDA zone 6, start eggplant seeds indoors between February 5 and February 19 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).

    When should I start eggplant seeds indoors in zone 7?▾

    In USDA zone 7, start eggplant seeds indoors between January 22 and February 5 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).

    When should I start eggplant seeds indoors in zone 8?▾

    In USDA zone 8, start eggplant seeds indoors between January 5 and January 19 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).

    When can I transplant eggplant seedlings outdoors?▾

    Transplant eggplant seedlings about 2–4 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 29–May 13.

    How long does eggplant take to grow?▾

    Eggplant typically takes 65–90 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 12–16 weeks after the last spring frost.

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