Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Eggplant in Kansas

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

The Short Answer

In Kansas, eggplant planting dates vary by region. In Northern Kansas, your average last frost is around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Kansas sees its last frost around Apr 1 - Apr 15. Since eggplant are frost-sensitive, start seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost, then transplant outside 3 weeks after frost danger has passed. Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue.

Kansas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Kansas 5b, 6a Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Kansas 6a, 6b Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Kansas 6b, 7a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 15 - Nov 1

Eggplant Planting Schedule for Kansas

Northern Kansas (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

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

Central Kansas (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

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

Southern Kansas (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

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

Growing Eggplant in Kansas

Eggplant in Kansas's Climate

Eggplant grows well in your warmer microclimates with proper timing. Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Don't transplant until nighttime temperatures consistently exceed 60°F. Asian varieties produce more reliably than Italian globe types in your climate. Full sun in the warmest garden spot.

Soil Considerations for Kansas

Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 70°F before planting eggplant outside.

Kansas Climate & Growing Season

Hot summers with strong winds. Severe thunderstorms and hail risk. Drier in the west. Good growing conditions for heat-loving crops. Eggplant cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.

Growing season length varies across Kansas: Northern Kansas (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Kansas (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for eggplant — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.

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 across Kansas, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Kansas gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern Kansas can typically plant earlier. 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 Kansas Planting Calendar All plants for Kansas 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates