When to plant tomato in zone 7a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7A

Growing SeasonZone 7a

Last frost ~Apr 15First frost ~Oct 25Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Mar 4 · Transplant Apr 29 · First harvest Jun 28 · Wrap by Sep 6

Last spring frostApr 15

Start seeds indoorsMar 4

Transplant outApr 29

First harvestJun 28

Last harvestSep 6

First fall frostOct 25

Why these dates work in zone 7a

Zone 7a's last spring frost averages Apr 15 and first fall frost Oct 25 — about 193 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 7a?

Tomato matures in about 60–85 days from transplanting. In zone 7a that means setting plants out around Apr 29 and first picking around Jun 28.

Will tomato survive frost in zone 7a?

No — tomato is frost-sensitive. In zone 7a, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 25).

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