When to plant tomatoes
Tomatoes are frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost; transplant 1–3 weeks after it. Plant when the soil is at least 60°F.
Tomatoes dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Start indoors | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
|---|---|
| Transplant outside | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Jul 31 |
| Soil temperature | 60°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 60–85 |
| Spacing | 18–36 in apart |
Your tomato year
- Start indoors
- Transplant outside
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for tomatoes
- Tomatoes stall below 50°F at night, so planting early rarely gains you fruit; wait until nights stay above 50°F.
- Harden seedlings off outdoors for 7–10 days before transplanting.
- Bury the stem up to the first true leaves; tomatoes root along the buried stem.
Work out indoor sowing for everything at once with the seed starting calculator.
When to plant tomatoes in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Apr 6–20 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Feb 1–15 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Feb 9–23 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Jan 12–26 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Apr 6–20 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Mar 9–23 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | May 7–21 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Apr 11–25 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Apr 11–25 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Apr 8–22 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Mar 4–18 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Apr 7–21 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Apr 6–20 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Apr 4–18 |
Tomatoes planting FAQ
When should I plant tomatoes?
Tomatoes are frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost; transplant 1–3 weeks after it. Plant when the soil is at least 60°F.
How many days until tomatoes are ready to harvest?
Most tomato varieties take about 60–85 days from transplanting. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can tomatoes survive frost?
No. Tomatoes are damaged or killed by a 32°F frost, so wait until after your last frost and cover plants if a late frost is forecast.
How far apart should I plant tomatoes?
Space tomatoes 18–36 in apart.
What is the last date I can plant tomatoes?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing tomatoes
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.