When to Plant Eggplant in Virginia
In a typical Virginia location, start seeds indoors Jan 31 – Feb 14, then transplant outdoors Apr 25 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 30 in Newport News and as late as May 10 in Radford.
Warm-season crop, similar timing to pepper; needs consistently warm soil (65F+) to transplant.
Eggplant Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Apr 12 – Apr 19 |
| Norfolk | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Chesapeake | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Richmond | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Arlington | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Newport News | Jan 5 – Jan 19 | Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Alexandria | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| East Hampton | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Hampton | Jan 13 – Jan 27 | Apr 7 – Apr 14 |
| Roanoke | Jan 23 – Feb 6 | Apr 17 – Apr 24 |
| Portsmouth Heights | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Portsmouth | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Apr 6 – Apr 13 |
| Suffolk | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| South Suffolk | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Apr 10 – Apr 17 |
| Lynchburg | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | May 1 – May 8 |
| Centreville | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 29 – May 6 |
| Dale City | Jan 17 – Jan 31 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| West Lynchburg | Feb 6 – Feb 20 | May 1 – May 8 |
| Reston | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
| Harrisonburg | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | May 5 – May 12 |
| Leesburg | Feb 5 – Feb 19 | Apr 30 – May 7 |
| McLean | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 23 – Apr 30 |
| Charlottesville | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Apr 19 – Apr 26 |
| Tuckahoe | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 24 – May 1 |
| Blacksburg | Feb 13 – Feb 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Ashburn | Feb 2 – Feb 16 | Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Danville | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Apr 22 – Apr 29 |
| Manassas | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Lake Ridge | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Apr 26 – May 3 |
| Burke | Feb 3 – Feb 17 | Apr 28 – May 5 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 118 Virginia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Virginia cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant eggplant in Virginia?
In a typical Virginia location, start seeds indoors Jan 31 – Feb 14, then transplant outdoors Apr 25 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 30 in Newport News and as late as May 10 in Radford.
When is the last frost in Virginia?
The average last spring frost in Virginia ranges from March 16 in Newport News to April 26 in Radford, 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 Virginia
- 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