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When to plant Eggplant in Floyd County, IA

Plant Eggplant in Floyd County from May 8 to May 29 in spring. Floyd County sits in USDA Zone 5a, with last frost around May 1 and first frost on October 7.

When to Plant Eggplant in Floyd County, IA

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.

Floyd County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.

At an elevation of 714 feet, Floyd County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Eggplant to ensure they mature before fall.

Floyd County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
159 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
159 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Floyd 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 Floyd County's 159-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Eggplant Planting Timeline — Floyd County, IA

Eggplant Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Harvest July 24 Jul 24 – Sep 25

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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

65–85 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

159 days in Floyd County

Growing Tips for Floyd 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 Floyd County, IA?

Floyd County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Eggplant planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Floyd County, IA?

Floyd County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Eggplant in Floyd County, IA?

In Floyd County, IA, plant Eggplant after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Floyd County, IA for Eggplant?

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

Can Eggplant grow in Floyd County's climate?

Yes — Eggplant grows well in Floyd County's temperate climate. Floyd County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Floyd County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Floyd County (Zone 5a). 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 Floyd County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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