When to Plant Eggplant in Zone 5b

Solanum melongena

Last updated: May 15, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Eggplant in Zone 5b

  • Start indoors: Apr 9
  • Transplant: May 28 — after last frost (Apr 23)
  • First harvest: Aug 11 (65–85 days)
⚠️ Zone 5b last frost: Apr 23. Don't plant frost-sensitive crops before this date.
Last frost
Apr 23
First frost
Oct 12
Growing season
172 days
Zone 5b is the warmer half of Zone 5

Zone 5b has a last frost around Apr 23 and first frost around Oct 12, giving you approximately 172 growing days. This is about 2 weeks longer than Zone 5a. For more details see the Zone 5 complete guide.

Other Zones for Eggplant

Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10Zone 11
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.