When to Plant Eggplant in Massachusetts
Beautiful purple fruits that love heat even more than tomatoes. Start early indoors for best results.
The Short Answer
Massachusetts Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Massachusetts you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Massachusetts | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 10 |
| Central Massachusetts | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| Coastal/Cape | 6b, 7a | Apr 15 - May 1 | Oct 15 - Nov 1 |
Eggplant Planting Schedule for Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 10
Central Massachusetts (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Coastal/Cape (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1
Growing Eggplant in Massachusetts
Eggplant in Massachusetts'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 Massachusetts
Rocky, acidic New England soils. Glacial deposits. Raised beds popular. Amend heavily with compost. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 70°F before planting eggplant outside.
Massachusetts Climate & Growing Season
Four seasons. Maritime influence moderates coastal areas. Cold winters. Good growing season with adequate moisture. 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 Massachusetts: Western Massachusetts (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 20, while Coastal/Cape (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 1. 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