🍅 When to Plant Tomato

When should I plant tomato?

Plant tomato outdoors 2 weeks after last frost. For a head start, start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your area's last frost date. Transplants can go out 1 week after last frost.

Is tomato frost sensitive?

Yes — Tomato is frost-sensitive and will be damaged or killed by temperatures at or below 32°F. Wait until all frost danger has passed and nighttime lows are consistently above 50°F.

What temperature does tomato need?

Tomato grows best between 60°F and 85°F. It can survive down to 50°F, but growth slows significantly below 60°F. Warm nights are especially important once fruiting begins.

How long does tomato take to grow?

Tomato typically takes 60–85 days from transplant (or direct sow) to first harvest.

Should I start tomato seeds indoors?

Yes — start tomato seeds indoors 6 weeks before your area's last expected frost date. This gives seedlings time to develop strong roots before outdoor conditions are ready.

Is it too cold to plant tomato?

It is too cold to plant Tomato outdoors when nighttime temperatures are falling below 50°F. Tomato is frost-sensitive, so a single freeze will kill it — wait until your area's last frost date has passed and nights are reliably above 50°F. Use CanIPlant to check your local 7-day forecast and get a real-time answer for your ZIP code.

Is it too hot to plant tomato?

Tomato starts to struggle when temperatures climb above 85°F. As a warm-season crop, Tomato enjoys heat but can experience blossom drop and reduced fruiting above 90°F. Consistent highs above that level may delay planting until temperatures moderate. CanIPlant checks your local forecast highs to flag this automatically.

Any tips for growing tomato?

Very frost-sensitive. Needs warm nights.