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Eggplant Growing Guide
Solanaceae family
Companion Planting
Avoid Planting Near
FennelGrowth Stages
- Seedling
- Vegetative Growth
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | — | Aug 19 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | — | Aug 19 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 20 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 9 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 30 | Jun 15 | — | Aug 19 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 27 | Jun 12 | — | Aug 16 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 20 | Jun 5 | — | Aug 9 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 10 | May 26 | — | Jul 30 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 6 | May 22 | — | Jul 26 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 3 | May 19 | — | Jul 23 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 3 | May 19 | — | Jul 23 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 3 | May 19 | — | Jul 23 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 18 | May 6 | — | Jul 10 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 18 | May 6 | — | Jul 10 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 13 | May 1 | — | Jul 5 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 8 | Apr 26 | — | Jun 30 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 25 | Apr 12 | — | Jun 16 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 23 | Apr 10 | — | Jun 14 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 13 | Mar 31 | — | Jun 4 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 26 | Mar 13 | — | May 17 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 3 | Feb 18 | — | Apr 24 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 3 | Feb 18 | — | Apr 24 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Feb 5 | — | Apr 11 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 6 | Jan 22 | — | Mar 28 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 6 | Jan 22 | — | Mar 28 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 6 | Jan 22 | — | Mar 28 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 6 | Jan 22 | — | Mar 28 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Eggplant?
Eggplant takes approximately 80 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Eggplant need?
Eggplant requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Eggplant?
Plant Eggplant at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Eggplant survive frost?
Eggplant is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Eggplant?
Good companion plants for Eggplant include Beans, Peppers, Marigolds, Amaranth, Basil. Avoid planting near Fennel.
How long does Eggplant take to germinate?
Eggplant seeds germinate in 7-14 days at an optimal temperature of 85°F.
When should I start Eggplant seeds indoors?
Start Eggplant seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 3 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost
- Use black plastic mulch and row covers to warm soil
- Support plants with stakes as fruit becomes heavy
Common Pests & Diseases
- Flea beetles
- Colorado potato beetle
- Verticillium wilt
- Spider mites
Harvest Notes
Harvest when skin is glossy and firm, and springs back when pressed. Dull skin indicates overmaturity and bitter seeds.
Plan Your Eggplant Garden
Track Eggplant from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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