When to plant eggplant in zone 6b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6B

Growing SeasonZone 6b

Last frost ~Apr 20First frost ~Oct 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 23 · Transplant May 11 · First harvest Jul 20 · Wrap by Sep 14

Last spring frostApr 20

Start seeds indoorsFeb 23

Transplant outMay 11

First harvestJul 20

Last harvestSep 14

First fall frostOct 15

Why these dates work in zone 6b

Zone 6b's last spring frost averages Apr 20 and first fall frost Oct 15 — about 178 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 6b?

Eggplant matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 6b that means setting plants out around May 11 and first picking around Jul 20.

Will eggplant survive frost in zone 6b?

No — eggplant is frost-sensitive. In zone 6b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 20) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 15).

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