When to Plant Eggplant in Alabama
In a typical Alabama location, start seeds indoors Jan 10 – Jan 24, then transplant outdoors Apr 4 – Apr 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Mobile and as late as Apr 20 in Jacksonville.
Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Eggplant Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Birmingham | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Montgomery | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Mobile | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Tuscaloosa | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Hoover | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Dothan | Dec 21 – Jan 4 | Mar 15 – Mar 22 |
| Auburn | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Decatur | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Apr 9 – Apr 16 |
| Madison | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Florence | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Phenix City | Dec 25 – Jan 8 | Mar 19 – Mar 26 |
| Gadsden | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| East Florence | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Prattville | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Mar 27 – Apr 3 |
| Vestavia Hills | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Alabaster | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Opelika | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Enterprise | Dec 29 – Jan 12 | Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Bessemer | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Homewood | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Athens | Jan 9 – Jan 23 | Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Daphne | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Northport | Jan 7 – Jan 21 | Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Dixiana | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Pelham | Jan 8 – Jan 22 | Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| Prichard | Dec 13 – Dec 27 | Mar 7 – Mar 14 |
| Anniston | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Albertville | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
| Oxford | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 72 Alabama cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Alabama cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant eggplant in Alabama?
In a typical Alabama location, start seeds indoors Jan 10 – Jan 24, then transplant outdoors Apr 4 – Apr 11. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Mobile and as late as Apr 20 in Jacksonville.
When is the last frost in Alabama?
The average last spring frost in Alabama ranges from February 21 in Mobile to April 6 in Jacksonville, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do eggplant take to grow?
Eggplant typically take 65–85 days from planting to harvest. Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Other Crops in Alabama
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant eggplant in other states