Eggplant Planting Guide
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.
Solanum melongena · Vegetable · Solanaceae family · 65–85 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Eggplant?
Eggplant Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Eggplant planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5a | Feb 14 | May 2 | May 9 | Jul 18 – Sep 19 |
| Zone 5b | Feb 7 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Jul 11 – Sep 12 |
| Zone 6a | Jan 30 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | Jul 3 – Sep 4 |
| Zone 6b | Jan 23 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
| Zone 7a | Jan 21 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 14 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 4 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | May 31 – Aug 2 |
| Zone 8b | Dec 24 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | May 20 – Jul 22 |
| Zone 9a | Dec 30 | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | Apr 28 – Jun 30 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 14 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | Apr 12 – Jun 14 |
| Zone 10a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 21 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 21 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 21 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 21 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 5a – 11b
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.
Saving Eggplant Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Eggplant by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Eggplant?
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) takes 65 to 85 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Eggplant grow in?
Eggplant can be grown in USDA zones 5a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Eggplant need?
Growing Eggplant requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 5.5 to 7.