When to plant eggplant in zone 5b — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 5B

Growing SeasonZone 5b

Last frost ~May 15First frost ~Sep 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT

Start indoors Mar 20 · Transplant Jun 5 · First harvest Aug 14 · Wrap by Sep 23

Last spring frostMay 15

Start seeds indoorsMar 20

Transplant outJun 5

First harvestAug 14

Last harvestSep 23

First fall frostSep 30

Why these dates work in zone 5b

Zone 5b's last spring frost averages May 15 and first fall frost Sep 30 — about 138 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 5b?

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

Will eggplant survive frost in zone 5b?

No — eggplant is frost-sensitive. In zone 5b, wait until after the last frost (around May 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Sep 30).

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