I know its too late to think about starting new eggplants , but I am about to get some seeds that a friend's friend's friend (you get the idea) had to spare and which nobody seemed to want. so I want to know if they would be viable for next year? If not, can I start them now in containers and still have a some fruits for seed? I live in zone5b in an apartment.

This question also applies to ridge gourd seeds which I am hoping to receive with the eggplant seeds. I am thinking a nice big container should do it, but is there enough time? will the seeds be viable next year?