When to Plant Eggplant in Madison, Wisconsin (53708)

Location

Madison, Wisconsin

ZIP Code

53708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Planting Calendar

Start Seeds Indoors Saturday, February 28, 2026

Transplant Outdoors Saturday, May 9, 2026

Pro Tip: Start Eggplant seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Solanum melongena

Days to Maturity 70 days

Mature Height 24-36"

Spread 24"

Type Bush

Fruit Size Medium (4-8 inches)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

24" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Eggplant in Madison?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, February 28, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BeanPepperSpinachThyme

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel

Other Plants for Madison

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Growing Eggplant in Zone 5b

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a popular garden vegetable. In Madison, Wisconsin, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should start seeds indoors around Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Eggplant seedlings outdoors around Saturday, May 9, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.