When to Plant Eggplant in Maryland
In a typical Maryland location, start seeds indoors Jan 23 – Feb 6, then transplant outdoors Apr 17 – Apr 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 5 in California and as late as May 8 in Westminster.
Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Eggplant Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Columbia | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Germantown | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Silver Spring | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Frederick | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Waldorf | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Glen Burnie | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Gaithersburg | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Rockville | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Ellicott City | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Dundalk | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Bethesda | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Bowie | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Towson | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Aspen Hill | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Wheaton | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Bel Air South | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Gwynn Oak | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Potomac | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Severn | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| North Bethesda | Jan 21 – Feb 4 | Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Catonsville | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Annapolis | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Hagerstown | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Essex | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Hanover | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Woodlawn | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Apr 16 – Apr 23 |
| Severna Park | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Odenton | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Saint Charles | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 151 Maryland cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Maryland cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant eggplant in Maryland?
In a typical Maryland location, start seeds indoors Jan 23 – Feb 6, then transplant outdoors Apr 17 – Apr 24. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 5 in California and as late as May 8 in Westminster.
When is the last frost in Maryland?
The average last spring frost in Maryland ranges from March 22 in California to April 24 in Westminster, 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 Maryland
- 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