Home › Eggplant › Grow in Minnesota

Can You Grow Eggplant in Minnesota?

US · USDA Zone 4a · zones 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b

Won't grow here

Eggplant needs a long warm season (65-80 days) that this zone may not reliably deliver.

Plant zones

5a–11b

Minnesota last frost

late April

Minnesota first frost

early October

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Eggplants in Minnesota

Start indoors

Feb 27

Transplant

Apr 25

Harvest

Jun 29 – Jul 14

Dates are approximate, based on Minnesota's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Eggplant

Eggplant needs a long warm season and maximum heat — more demanding than tomatoes but highly productive in the right conditions.

Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost — eggplant needs a long head start. Needs hot conditions to set fruit. Use black plastic mulch to warm soil. Very productive once established in heat.

Full eggplant growing guide →

Gardening in Minnesota

Minnesota has a cold humid continental climate. The Twin Cities are Zone 4b-5a; northern Minnesota reaches Zone 2b-3a. Cold winters but warm productive summers.

See what grows well in Minnesota →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Eggplant in Minnesota?

Eggplant needs a long warm season (65-80 days) that this zone may not reliably deliver.

What zone is Minnesota?

Minnesota spans USDA Zone 4a (2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b).

When do you plant Eggplants in Minnesota?

Plant Eggplants around late April (start indoors Feb 27), harvest Jun 29 – Jul 14.