When to plant eggplant in zone 10b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10B

Growing SeasonZone 10b

Last frost ~Jan 15First frost ~Dec 31Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

NOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUN

Start indoors Nov 20 · Transplant Feb 5 · First harvest Apr 16 · Wrap by Jun 11

Last spring frostJan 15

Start seeds indoorsNov 20

Transplant outFeb 5

First harvestApr 16

Last harvestJun 11

First fall frostDec 31

Why these dates work in zone 10b

Zone 10b's last spring frost averages Jan 15 and first fall frost Dec 31 — about 350 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 10b?

Eggplant matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 10b that means setting plants out around Feb 5 and first picking around Apr 16.

Will eggplant survive frost in zone 10b?

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

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