Planting dates
For spring, wait until frost risk has passed and daytime temperatures reach at least 65°F. Texas A&M describes eggplant as sensitive to cold. For fall, begin with the regional table below rather than transferring a spring condition into a fall calendar.
Texas A&M: Easy Gardening, EggplantYour region
Texas A&M’s fall guide gives five average planting dates: July 1 in Region I, June 15 in Region II, July 1 in Region III, July 10 in Region IV and August 1 in Region V. First identify the guide’s gardening region. These are averages, not a last-safe date for every county or variety.
Texas A&M: Fall Vegetable Gardening GuideTexas Region I
Fall planting: July 1
Texas A&M: Fall Vegetable Gardening GuideTexas Region II
Fall planting: June 15
Texas A&M: Fall Vegetable Gardening GuideTexas Region III
Fall planting: July 1
Texas A&M: Fall Vegetable Gardening GuideTexas Region IV
Fall planting: July 10
Texas A&M: Fall Vegetable Gardening GuideTexas Region V
Fall planting: August 1
Texas A&M: Fall Vegetable Gardening GuideHow to plant
Use transplants for the outdoor planting described here. Texas A&M says to start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before moving it outside if you are raising your own plants. Set outdoor plants 24 to 36 inches apart. Keep direct-seeding rules separate: the crop guide uses a spring seed-zone temperature above 65°F.
Texas A&M: Easy Gardening, EggplantCheck the fall crop before planting
Eggplant is frost susceptible and Texas A&M places it in the late-season group. The crop guide says to plan the fall crop 80 to 90 days before anticipated harvest. Compare your regional date, the variety information and the local first-frost outlook before you commit space.
Texas A&M: Eggplant crop guideChoose your next step
Frost risk remains or days are below 65°F
Keep the transplant protected and wait for the outdoor condition instead of using a calendar date alone.You are planning a Texas fall crop
Find your Texas gardening region, record its average planting date and compare it with the crop’s maturity information.You want to direct sow
Use the crop guide’s seed-zone temperature above 65°F for spring, rather than treating transplant timing as a seed rule.Planting questions
Can eggplant handle a Texas frost?
No. Texas A&M lists eggplant among frost-susceptible vegetables.
Texas A&M: Fall Vegetable Gardening GuideHow early should I start eggplant seed indoors?
Texas A&M says to start seed 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting it outdoors.
Texas A&M: Easy Gardening, EggplantDoes one fall date work for every Texas garden?
No. Texas A&M gives five regional average dates. Use the gardening-region map before choosing a row.
Texas A&M: Fall Vegetable Gardening Guide