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When to plant Eggplant in Crawford County, IL

Plant Eggplant in Crawford County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 21. Continue planting through May 12 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Eggplant in Crawford County, IL

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.

Crawford County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 555 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Eggplant during the growing season.

Crawford County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Crawford County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Eggplant to Grow

4-6 lbs
Average yield per plant
2
Plants per person
4 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 8 eggplant plants in about 16 sq ft. In Crawford County's 192-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Eggplant Planting Timeline — Crawford County, IL

Eggplant Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 – May 12
Harvest July 7 Jul 7 – Sep 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

65–85 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

192 days in Crawford County

Growing Tips for Crawford County

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 Crawford County, IL?

Crawford County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crawford County, IL?

Crawford County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Eggplant in Crawford County, IL?

In Crawford County, IL, plant Eggplant after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Crawford County, IL for Eggplant?

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

Can Eggplant grow in Crawford County's climate?

Yes — Eggplant grows well in Crawford County's temperate climate. Crawford County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 23.

🌱

Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free

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

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

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