When to Plant Eggplant in Kentucky
In a typical Kentucky location, start seeds indoors Feb 1 – Feb 15, then transplant outdoors Apr 26 – May 3. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Louisville and as late as May 15 in Shelbyville.
Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Eggplant Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Lexington | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Lexington-Fayette | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Meads | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Bowling Green | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Owensboro | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Covington | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Richmond | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Georgetown | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Florence | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Hopkinsville | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Apr 18 – Apr 25 |
| Nicholasville | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Elizabethtown | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Henderson | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Frankfort | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Jeffersontown | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Independence | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Paducah | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Valley Station | Jan 20 – Feb 3 | Apr 14 – Apr 21 |
| Radcliff | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| Ashland | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Newburg | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Madisonville | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Murray | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Erlanger | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | May 2 – May 9 |
| Winchester | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | May 4 – May 11 |
| Fern Creek | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Saint Matthews | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Okolona | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 |
| Danville | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant eggplant in Kentucky?
In a typical Kentucky location, start seeds indoors Feb 1 – Feb 15, then transplant outdoors Apr 26 – May 3. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Louisville and as late as May 15 in Shelbyville.
When is the last frost in Kentucky?
The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, 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 Kentucky
- 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