When to Plant Eggplant in Nevada
Beautiful purple fruits that love heat even more than tomatoes. Start early indoors for best results.
The Short Answer
Nevada Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Nevada you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Nevada (Reno) | 6b, 7a | May 1 - May 20 | Sep 25 - Oct 15 |
| Las Vegas | 8b, 9a, 9b | Feb 10 - Mar 5 | Nov 10 - Dec 1 |
| Mountain Nevada | 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b | May 25 - Jun 15 | Aug 25 - Sep 15 |
Eggplant Planting Schedule for Nevada
Northern Nevada (Reno) (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15
Las Vegas (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)
Average last frost: Feb 10 - Mar 5 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Dec 1
Mountain Nevada (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b)
Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15
Growing Eggplant in Nevada
Eggplant in Nevada's Climate
Eggplant grows during the cooler months in subtropical zones — an inverted calendar that northern gardeners find strange but that works beautifully. Plant from September through February. Florida Market is the aptly named state standard. Your warm soils and mild conditions produce excellent eggplant.
Soil Considerations for Nevada
Desert soils — alkaline, low organic matter. Extremely dry. Heavy amendment essential. Irrigation required. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 70°F before planting eggplant outside.
Nevada Climate & Growing Season
Arid climate. Extreme heat in summer (Las Vegas). Short season at altitude. Very low humidity. Water conservation critical. 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 Nevada: Northern Nevada (Reno) (6b, 7a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 20, while Mountain Nevada (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 25 - Jun 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