🍆 When to Plant Eggplant

When should I plant eggplant?

Plant eggplant outdoors 2 weeks after last frost. For a head start, start seeds indoors 8 weeks before your area's last frost date. Transplants can go out 1 week after last frost.

Is eggplant frost sensitive?

Yes — Eggplant is frost-sensitive and will be damaged or killed by temperatures at or below 32°F. Wait until all frost danger has passed and nighttime lows are consistently above 55°F.

What temperature does eggplant need?

Eggplant grows best between 65°F and 90°F. It can survive down to 55°F, but growth slows significantly below 65°F. Warm nights are especially important once fruiting begins.

How long does eggplant take to grow?

Eggplant typically takes 70–85 days from transplant (or direct sow) to first harvest.

Should I start eggplant seeds indoors?

Yes — start eggplant seeds indoors 8 weeks before your area's last expected frost date. This gives seedlings time to develop strong roots before outdoor conditions are ready.

Is it too cold to plant eggplant?

It is too cold to plant Eggplant outdoors when nighttime temperatures are falling below 55°F. Eggplant is frost-sensitive, so a single freeze will kill it — wait until your area's last frost date has passed and nights are reliably above 55°F. Use CanIPlant to check your local 7-day forecast and get a real-time answer for your ZIP code.

Is it too hot to plant eggplant?

Eggplant starts to struggle when temperatures climb above 90°F. As a warm-season crop, Eggplant enjoys heat but can experience blossom drop and reduced fruiting above 95°F. Consistent highs above that level may delay planting until temperatures moderate. CanIPlant checks your local forecast highs to flag this automatically.

Any tips for growing eggplant?

Heat-loving. Similar to peppers.