When to Plant Eggplant in Vermont
Beautiful purple fruits that love heat even more than tomatoes. Start early indoors for best results.
The Short Answer
Vermont Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Vermont you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Vermont | 3b, 4a | May 20 - Jun 5 | Sep 5 - Sep 20 |
| Central Vermont | 4a, 4b, 5a | May 10 - May 25 | Sep 15 - Oct 1 |
| Southern Vermont | 4b, 5a, 5b | May 5 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 5 |
Eggplant Planting Schedule for Vermont
Northern Vermont (Zones 3b, 4a)
Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Vermont (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)
Average last frost: May 10 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Vermont (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)
Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5
Growing Eggplant in Vermont
Eggplant in Vermont's Climate
Eggplant is one of the trickiest warm-season crops for cold climates — it demands even more heat than peppers. Asian varieties (Ichiban, Orient Express, 55-58 days) are the only reliable choice. Start indoors 10 weeks before last frost. Black plastic mulch and row cover are both necessary. Container growing on sun-baked pavement sometimes outproduces in-ground planting.
Soil Considerations for Vermont
Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very popular. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 70°F before planting eggplant outside.
Vermont Climate & Growing Season
Short growing season. Cold winters. Cool summers. Long summer days help compensate. Season extension techniques valuable. 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 Vermont: Northern Vermont (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern Vermont (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 5 - May 20. 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