When to plant eggplant in zone 7b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7B

Growing SeasonZone 7b

Last frost ~Apr 5First frost ~Nov 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 8 · Transplant Apr 26 · First harvest Jul 5 · Wrap by Aug 30

Last spring frostApr 5

Start seeds indoorsFeb 8

Transplant outApr 26

First harvestJul 5

Last harvestAug 30

First fall frostNov 1

Why these dates work in zone 7b

Zone 7b's last spring frost averages Apr 5 and first fall frost Nov 1 — about 210 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 7b?

Eggplant matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 7b that means setting plants out around Apr 26 and first picking around Jul 5.

Will eggplant survive frost in zone 7b?

No — eggplant is frost-sensitive. In zone 7b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 5) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 1).

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