When to plant eggplant in zone 9b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Dec 21 · Transplant Mar 8 · First harvest May 17 · Wrap by Jul 12

Last spring frostFeb 15

Start seeds indoorsDec 21

Transplant outMar 8

First harvestMay 17

Last harvestJul 12

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 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 9b?

Eggplant matures in about 70–90 days from transplanting. In zone 9b that means setting plants out around Mar 8 and first picking around May 17.

Will eggplant survive frost in zone 9b?

No — eggplant is frost-sensitive. In zone 9b, wait until after the last frost (around Feb 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

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