When to plant Eggplant in Compton, CA
Eggplant planted in Compton between April 3 and April 24 matures in 65–85 days — well before the November 21 first frost.
When to Plant Eggplant in Compton, CA
July in the garden — Los Angeles County, California
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
It's harvest week for eggplant
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: eggplant
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.
Compton, California is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 1,315 feet, Los Angeles County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Eggplant during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Eggplant successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.5
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 Compton
How your county's soil matches Eggplant's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.5) overlaps with Eggplant's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Los Angeles County is excellent for Eggplant — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Eggplant.
How to Plant Eggplant
Succession Planting Eggplant
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 28 to harvest before frost.
Eggplant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 1.2" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.8" | 0.4" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 0.1" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 0" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 0" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 0.2" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 0.6" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 1.3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Los Angeles 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 — Compton, CA
Eggplant Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
65–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Los Angeles County
Growing Tips for Eggplant in Compton
Direct sow Eggplant outdoors after April 03 in Los Angeles County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Eggplant in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Los Angeles County receives only 13" of rain annually. Eggplant needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Compton, CA?
In Compton, CA, plant Eggplant after the last frost (around April 3) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, CA for Eggplant?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 10b. Eggplant grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Eggplant grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Eggplant grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 3 and first frost around November 21.
Your Los Angeles County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Los Angeles County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.