When to plant eggplant in zone 4b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 4B

Growing SeasonZone 4b

Last frost ~May 15First frost ~Sep 25Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Mar 20 · Transplant Jun 5 · First harvest Aug 14 · Wrap by Sep 18

Last spring frostMay 15

Start seeds indoorsMar 20

Transplant outJun 5

First harvestAug 14

Last harvestSep 18

First fall frostSep 25

Why these dates work in zone 4b

Zone 4b's last spring frost averages May 15 and first fall frost Sep 25 — about 133 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 4b?

Eggplant matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 4b that means setting plants out around Jun 5 and first picking around Aug 14.

Will eggplant survive frost in zone 4b?

No — eggplant is frost-sensitive. In zone 4b, wait until after the last frost (around May 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Sep 25).

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