Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Eggplant in Florida

Beautiful purple fruits that love heat even more than tomatoes. Start early indoors for best results.

The Short Answer

Florida's warm climate grows eggplant beautifully during the cooler months — this is another crop where Florida's calendar is inverted from the national norm. While northern gardeners struggle to give eggplant enough heat, Florida gardeners grow it through the mild winter and into spring, harvesting while the rest of the country is still starting seeds indoors.

Florida Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Florida you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Eggplant Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost

Growing Eggplant in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: transplant from February through March, and again in August. Central Florida: transplant January through March. South Florida: transplant October through February. Summer eggplant struggles in Florida — not from heat (eggplant loves heat) but from the intense pest and disease pressure during the humid summer months. Florida's sandy soils need heavy amendment for the nutrients eggplant demands. Stake plants to support heavy fruit loads — Florida's sandy soils don't anchor roots as firmly as heavier soils.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Florida Market is aptly named — it's been the state standard for decades. Black Beauty and Dusky are reliable. Ichiban and Orient Express for Asian types. UF/IFAS recommends varieties with multiple disease resistances for Florida's challenging conditions. Fairy Tale is popular for its compact size and ornamental beauty.

Common Challenges in Florida

Flea beetles are abundant. Bacterial wilt and Verticillium wilt in Florida's warm soils. Nematodes in sandy soils — rotate locations and consider grafted plants. Fruit and shoot borer can devastate plantings. Mites and whiteflies are common. Despite the pest list, Florida's warm conditions produce excellent eggplant when resistant varieties and good cultural practices are used.

Growing Tips

Harvest when skin is glossy and firm. Dull skin means overripe and seedy. Use row covers if nights are cool.

Companion Planting

Plant eggplant alongside these companions for better growth:

Peppers Beans Marigolds

Keep eggplant away from:

Fennel

The Bottom Line

Eggplant can be grown successfully in Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Eggplant Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida Eggplant in Alabama Alabama planting dates Eggplant in Alaska Alaska planting dates Eggplant in Arizona Arizona planting dates Eggplant in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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