When to plant eggplant in Boise, Idaho

May 31 – June 14

Transplant outdoors · typical Boise year

Climate basis: NOAA station Boise 7 N, ID (USC00101017), 6 mi (9 km) from downtown Boise (ZCTA 83702 centroid), elevation 3885 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant eggplant outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (May 17). One year in ten still freezes after June 10.

Last spring freezeMay 171-in-10 after Jun 10
First fall freezeOctober 121-in-10 before Sep 27
Frost-free season147 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 27Oct 24kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low not frost timing

The Boise year

Start seeds indoorsMar 22 – Apr 5
Transplant outdoorsMay 31 – Jun 14
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Jun 10
Eggplant in Boise · freeze context from Boise 7 N, ID, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 22 – Apr 5

Sow 8–10 weeks before the transplant window opens (UNH 8–10 weeks; Missouri G6570 6–8 weeks). Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 17). University of New Hampshire Extension · University of Missouri Extension

Transplant outdoors

May 31 – Jun 14

UNH: set out 2–3 weeks after the last frost; Purdue: very tender — at least two weeks after. Span extended to 14 days. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 17). University of New Hampshire Extension · Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes an average variety (about 65–80 days from transplant).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (3)

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