When to Plant Eggplant in Iowa
In a typical Iowa location, start seeds indoors Feb 10 – Feb 24, then transplant outdoors May 5 – May 12. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 24 in Keokuk and as late as May 17 in Grinnell.
Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Eggplant Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Cedar Rapids | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Davenport | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Sioux City | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Iowa City | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Waterloo | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Ames | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 17 |
| West Des Moines | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Council Bluffs | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Dubuque | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Ankeny | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Urbandale | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Cedar Falls | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Marion | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Bettendorf | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Marshalltown | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Mason City | Feb 18 – Mar 4 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Clinton | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Burlington | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Fort Dodge | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | May 12 – May 19 |
| Ottumwa | Feb 12 – Feb 26 | May 7 – May 14 |
| Muscatine | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Johnston | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Coralville | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Waukee | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | May 3 – May 10 |
| Altoona | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | May 5 – May 12 |
| North Liberty | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Indianola | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Clive | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Newton | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant eggplant in Iowa?
In a typical Iowa location, start seeds indoors Feb 10 – Feb 24, then transplant outdoors May 5 – May 12. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 24 in Keokuk and as late as May 17 in Grinnell.
When is the last frost in Iowa?
The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, 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 Iowa
- 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