When to plant eggplant in zone 3b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3B

Growing SeasonZone 3b

Last frost ~May 25First frost ~Sep 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Mar 30 · Transplant Jun 15 · First harvest Aug 24 · Wrap by Sep 8

Last spring frostMay 25

Start seeds indoorsMar 30

Transplant outJun 15

First harvestAug 24

Last harvestSep 8

First fall frostSep 15

Why these dates work in zone 3b

Zone 3b's last spring frost averages May 25 and first fall frost Sep 15 — about 113 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 3b?

Eggplant matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 3b that means setting plants out around Jun 15 and first picking around Aug 24.

Will eggplant survive frost in zone 3b?

No — eggplant is frost-sensitive. In zone 3b, wait until after the last frost (around May 25) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Sep 15).

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