The Hardiness Zones of Solanum Ovigerum

Hardiness Zones

• The United States and Canada are divided into hardiness zones based on the average minimum temperatures in the region during winter. The 12 hardiness zones identify a range from a low of minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit in zone 1 to above 50 degrees in zone 11. Zones 1, 2 and 12 mostly fall outside the main U.S. landmass, while zones 3 to 11 start in the Northern part of the country and end in the South.

Growing Solanum Ovigerum

• The ornamental white eggplant is sensitive to cold weather and needs a long, warm season to grow well and bear flowers and fruit. This makes it ideally suited to zones 7 to 12, although planting times and duration of bearing may differ depending on the zone in which it is planted. The ornamental eggplant should be inserted into soil with a temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.

Zones 7 and 8

• Zones 7 and 8 include states such as Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, the northern parts of Texas and California, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and Maryland. To grow the ornamental eggplant in these hardiness zones, cultivate it in a container and transplant the young shoots once the weather is warm enough. Keep them covered until late spring to avoid any frost damage.

Zones 9 to 12

• These zones cover the coastal Southern states, including southern Texas and California, Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas and South Carolina. The average minimum temperatures in these states range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating that the flowering season for the plant is much longer. The plants can be placed outdoors in early spring and continue to bear fruit until late fall, before they need to be moved indoors for the winter. Retailers commonly recommend these zones when selling the ornamental eggplant.

Colder Zones

• The ornamental eggplant can be grown in colder climates but needs protection until the weather is warm enough to safely plant them outdoors. The plant adjusts well to container gardening, although it prefers well-drained soil in a full-sun location. Plant covers may help to prevent frost damage, but the flowering and fruit-bearing period is likely to be short.