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When to plant Eggplant in Cheyenne County, CO

Cheyenne County gardeners should plant Eggplant between May 9 and May 30 in spring. With Cheyenne County's Zone 6a climate (last frost May 2), Eggplant needs 65–85 days to mature — plant by July 18 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Eggplant in Cheyenne County, CO

Eggplant
Cheyenne County, Colorado Zone 6a July

July in the garden — Cheyenne County, Colorado

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Cheyenne County, Colorado this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost May 2
Avg. first frost October 11
Soil temp (4") 52°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.5 hrs
  1. Get eggplant seeds going inside

    Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.

  2. Harvest eggplant as they ripen

    Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.

To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
  • First harvests: eggplant

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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.

Cheyenne County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 7,824 feet, Cheyenne County receives approximately 21.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Eggplant during the growing season.

Cheyenne County, CO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Cheyenne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Eggplant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Sep 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 7 Transplant: May 30 🍅 Harvest: Aug 8 – Oct 10

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 Cheyenne County

How your county's soil matches Eggplant's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) is more alkaline than Eggplant prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Cheyenne County is excellent for Eggplant — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Eggplant.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Eggplant.

How to Plant Eggplant

1"
Planting Depth
30"
Between Plants
42"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Eggplant

2
successive plantings in your 162-day season

Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 18 to harvest before frost.

Eggplant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.1″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
1.1″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,519 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.8" 2.6" 2.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.8" 1.6" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.8" 1.6" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.8" 2.2" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.8" 1.6" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.8" 2.1" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cheyenne 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 needs ~1,088 GDD — county provides 2,349 GDD Excellent fit

Eggplant Planting Timeline — Cheyenne County, CO

Eggplant Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 – May 30
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 26

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

162 days in Cheyenne County

Growing Tips for Eggplant in Cheyenne County

Direct sow Eggplant outdoors after May 02 in Cheyenne 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.

Cheyenne County receives only 21" 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

  • Fennel
  • Kohlrabi

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Eggplant in Cheyenne County, CO?

Cheyenne County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cheyenne County, CO?

Cheyenne County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.

When should I plant Eggplant in Cheyenne County, CO?

In Cheyenne County, CO, plant Eggplant after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cheyenne County, CO for Eggplant?

Cheyenne County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Eggplant grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Eggplant grow in Cheyenne County's climate?

Yes — Eggplant grows well in Cheyenne County's temperate climate. Cheyenne County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 11.

🌱

Your Cheyenne County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cheyenne County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cheyenne County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.