When to plant eggplant in zone 10a — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

NOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Dec 6 · Transplant Feb 21 · First harvest May 2 · Wrap by Jun 27

Last spring frostJan 31

Start seeds indoorsDec 6

Transplant outFeb 21

First harvestMay 2

Last harvestJun 27

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Eggplant is frost-sensitive, so the 3w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 8 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does eggplant take to grow in zone 10a?

Eggplant matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 10a that means setting plants out around Feb 21 and first picking around May 2.

Will eggplant survive frost in zone 10a?

No — eggplant is frost-sensitive. In zone 10a, wait until after the last frost (around Jan 31) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full eggplant growing guide →