When to plant Eggplant in Saint Augustine, FL
In Saint Augustine, plant Eggplant in spring between February 9 and March 2, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Saint Augustine's last frost averages February 9, so aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 65–85 days before the first frost on December 2.
When to Plant Eggplant in Saint Augustine, FL
What to do in July
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in St. Johns County, Florida.
Eggplant is a heat-loving solanaceous crop that produces glossy fruits in purple, white, or striped varieties. It requires long, warm growing seasons for best production.
Saint Augustine, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Eggplant may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Eggplant will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Eggplant root diseases.
Saint Augustine Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Eggplant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Saint Augustine
How your county's soil matches Eggplant's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) overlaps with Eggplant's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Johns County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Eggplant will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Eggplant.
How to Plant Eggplant
Succession Planting Eggplant
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 08 to harvest before frost.
Eggplant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Eggplant
Eggplant needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Eggplant Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.8" | 2.4" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.8" | 2.8" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.8" | 2.8" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 3.5" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 2.1" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.8" | 2.3" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Johns County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Eggplant Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Eggplant Planting Timeline — Saint Augustine, FL
Eggplant Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 29 | Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 27 | Apr 27 – Jun 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
65–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in St. Johns County
Growing Tips for Eggplant in Saint Augustine
Direct sow Eggplant outdoors after February 09 in St. Johns County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Johns County dries quickly — mulch Eggplant with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in St. Johns County, provide afternoon shade for Eggplant and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Eggplant in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant only after nighttime temperatures stay above 55F. Mulch to retain moisture and warmth around roots.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Eggplant in Other Locations
When should I plant Eggplant in Saint Augustine, FL?
In Saint Augustine, FL, plant Eggplant after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saint Augustine, FL for Eggplant?
Saint Augustine sits in USDA Zone 9b. Eggplant grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Eggplant grow in Saint Augustine's climate?
Yes — Eggplant grows well in Saint Augustine's temperate climate. Saint Augustine averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.
Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.