Eggplant is one item I've not had success with when planting early. I usually will start seeds about 2 to 3 weeks before typical last frost date and start setting plants about 3 to 4 weeks after last frost date.

In addition, we have a long growing season for eggplant. I can generally harvest through October. Eggplant tolerates the heat very well. So late plantings also work quite well. Because of this, I've not felt the need to start eggplant early.

From prior postings I've noted that eggplant success is sometimes a bit tougher for folks up north. Redback from those who share a similar climate as yours might be more helpful.

Concur. I use the same timetable for eggplants that I do for tomatoes 6-8 weeks. But temps come up fast here and they do like heat more so than tomatoes.

I'm in a similar zone as OP and I start mine ~end Feb-March 1 for a ~May 1 plant-out under wall o' water. I find they don't like to be too long in pots and just sit there in the window, pining for outside.

Dan

Thanks so much for the info. Good to know that they don't do well indoors for a long period of time. Think I will try starting them about the time Dan does, since our LFD is only a little later than his.
CMK

I'd go for end of Feb here...especially if you can move them into a greenhouse/hoophouse at some point in March. They love heat.

I agree with the Feb/early March planting date, after the first 2 sets of true leaves the seedlings get kind of big. If you can handle larger transplants then starting from seed is nice for trying different varieties.

For up north growing it is best to have something to cover them with at night and something clear to cover them with during the day to trap extra heat until the temps warm up.

They also germinate much better with bottom heat.

I start my eggplants in mid-March and plant them out about June 1. I do move them up in pots several times and they get a few weeks in my mini greenhouse which heats up nicely in the spring.

I always start them before the tomatoes - as much as 3-4 weeks based on my growing environment and experience with them. Same with peppers - start them with the eggplants.

Of course, every year is a bit different but 10-11 weeks seems to be about right for my plants. They are big and healthy.

I too have great success when starting my eggplant seeds at the same time as my tomatoes. I have them scheduled to seed on 4/17.

I also plant out after Memorial Day. They produce well into fall.

Rachel
GrafixMuse's Garden Spot Blog