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Can You Grow Eggplant in Ohio?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Eggplant grows well here with the warm season your zone provides.

Plant zones

5a–11b

Ohio last frost

early April

Ohio first frost

late October

Days to harvest

65–80 days

When to plant Eggplants in Ohio

Start indoors

Feb 9

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

Jun 11 – Jun 26

Dates are approximate, based on Ohio'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 Ohio

Ohio has a humid continental climate. Northern Ohio near Lake Erie is Zone 6a; inland areas are Zone 5b. Four seasons with a productive 6-month growing window.

See what grows well in Ohio →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Eggplant in Ohio?

Eggplant grows well here with the warm season your zone provides.

What zone is Ohio?

Ohio spans USDA Zone 5b (5a, 5b, 6a).

When do you plant Eggplants in Ohio?

Plant Eggplants around early April (start indoors Feb 9), harvest Jun 11 – Jun 26.