When to plant tomato in zone 10b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10B

Growing SeasonZone 10b

Last frost ~Jan 15First frost ~Dec 31Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

NOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUN

Start indoors Dec 4 · Transplant Jan 29 · First harvest Mar 30 · Wrap by Jun 8

Last spring frostJan 15

Start seeds indoorsDec 4

Transplant outJan 29

First harvestMar 30

Last harvestJun 8

First fall frostDec 31

Why these dates work in zone 10b

Zone 10b's last spring frost averages Jan 15 and first fall frost Dec 31 — about 350 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 10b?

Tomato matures in about 60–85 days from transplanting. In zone 10b that means setting plants out around Jan 29 and first picking around Mar 30.

Will tomato survive frost in zone 10b?

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

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