When to plant eggplant in Modesto
Eggplant is frost-tender, so every date keys off Modesto's last spring frost of Jan 27.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Dec 30 – Jan 20
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
May 6 – May 27
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Jul 15 – Jul 30
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
70 – 85 d
Modesto's 310-day season leaves this much room.
Eggplant on Modesto's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN 27
DEC 3
Common questions
When will eggplant be ready to harvest in Modesto?
Expect to harvest from around mid July (Jul 15–Jul 30) in Modesto, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 78%.
When should I start eggplant seeds indoors in Modesto?
Start seeds indoors around late December (Dec 30–Jan 20) in Modesto, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 83%.
When can I transplant eggplant outdoors in Modesto?
Transplant outdoors around early May (May 6–May 27) in Modesto, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 84%.
How long is the growing season in Modesto?
Modesto has roughly 310 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow eggplant to maturity outdoors.
The rule of thumb
Sow eggplant 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost; plant out 2–3 weeks after it. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Modesto's frost dates.
Confidence 87/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.