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    Free guide · USDA zones 3–10

    When to plant tomato 🍅

    Tomato takes 60–85 days to mature, spaced 24" apart at 0.25" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.

    Planting dates by USDA zone

    ZoneStart indoorsTransplantHarvest
    Zone 3March 30 – April 13June 1 – June 15August 3 – September 14
    Zone 4March 20 – April 3May 22 – June 5July 24 – September 4
    Zone 5March 6 – March 20May 8 – May 22July 10 – August 21
    Zone 6February 19 – March 4April 22 – May 6June 24 – August 5
    Zone 7February 5 – February 19April 8 – April 22June 10 – July 22
    Zone 8January 19 – February 2March 22 – April 5May 24 – July 5
    Zone 9December 21 – January 4February 22 – March 7April 25 – June 6
    Zone 10December 5 – December 19February 6 – February 20April 9 – May 21

    Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.

    Get your personalized tomato planting dates

    Care tips

    • Bury 2/3 of the stem at transplant for stronger roots.
    • Stake or cage early; water deeply at the base.
    • Mulch to keep soil moisture even and prevent blossom-end rot.

    Good companions

    Basil, Carrots, Onions, Marigold.

    Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables

    Track your tomato harvest with BotaNotes

    Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.

    Frequently asked questions

    When should I start tomato seeds indoors in zone 5?▾

    In USDA zone 5, start tomato seeds indoors between March 6 and March 20 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).

    When should I start tomato seeds indoors in zone 6?▾

    In USDA zone 6, start tomato seeds indoors between February 19 and March 4 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).

    When should I start tomato seeds indoors in zone 7?▾

    In USDA zone 7, start tomato seeds indoors between February 5 and February 19 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).

    When should I start tomato seeds indoors in zone 8?▾

    In USDA zone 8, start tomato seeds indoors between January 19 and February 2 — that's 6–8 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).

    When can I transplant tomato seedlings outdoors?▾

    Transplant tomato seedlings about 1–3 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 22–May 6.

    How long does tomato take to grow?▾

    Tomato typically takes 60–85 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 10–16 weeks after the last spring frost.

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