When to plant tomato in zone 10a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Dec 20 · Transplant Feb 14 · First harvest Apr 15 · Wrap by Jun 24

Last spring frostJan 31

Start seeds indoorsDec 20

Transplant outFeb 14

First harvestApr 15

Last harvestJun 24

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Tomato is frost-sensitive, so the 2w after frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does tomato take to grow in zone 10a?

Tomato matures in about 60–85 days from transplanting. In zone 10a that means setting plants out around Feb 14 and first picking around Apr 15.

Will tomato survive frost in zone 10a?

No — tomato is frost-sensitive. In zone 10a, wait until after the last frost (around Jan 31) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full tomato growing guide →