When to Plant Eggplant in South Dakota
In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11, then transplant outdoors May 20 – May 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 10 in Tea and as late as May 26 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Eggplant Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Rapid City | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Aberdeen | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 22 – May 29 |
| Brookings | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Watertown | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | May 21 – May 28 |
| Mitchell | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Yankton | Feb 16 – Mar 2 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Pierre | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Huron | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | May 20 – May 27 |
| Spearfish | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Vermillion | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Brandon | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | May 15 – May 22 |
| Box Elder | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Rapid Valley | Feb 22 – Mar 8 | May 17 – May 24 |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | May 26 – Jun 2 |
| Madison | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | May 19 – May 26 |
| Sturgis | Feb 27 – Mar 13 | May 22 – May 29 |
| Belle Fourche | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 24 – May 31 |
| Harrisburg | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Tea | Feb 15 – Mar 1 | May 10 – May 17 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 South Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant eggplant in South Dakota?
In a typical South Dakota location, start seeds indoors Feb 25 – Mar 11, then transplant outdoors May 20 – May 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 10 in Tea and as late as May 26 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
When is the last frost in South Dakota?
The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South Dakota
- 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