When to Plant Eggplant in Maryland
Beautiful purple fruits that love heat even more than tomatoes. Start early indoors for best results.
The Short Answer
Maryland Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Maryland you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Maryland | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| Central Maryland | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Eastern Shore | 7a, 7b, 8a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Eggplant Planting Schedule for Maryland
Western Maryland (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Central Maryland (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Eastern Shore (Zones 7a, 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Eggplant in Maryland
Eggplant in Maryland'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 Maryland
Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 70°F before planting eggplant outside.
Maryland Climate & Growing Season
Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state. 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 Maryland: Western Maryland (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore (7a, 7b, 8a) 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:
Keep eggplant away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026