When to plant tomato in zone 7b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7B

Growing SeasonZone 7b

Last frost ~Apr 5First frost ~Nov 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 22 · Transplant Apr 19 · First harvest Jun 18 · Wrap by Aug 27

Last spring frostApr 5

Start seeds indoorsFeb 22

Transplant outApr 19

First harvestJun 18

Last harvestAug 27

First fall frostNov 1

Why these dates work in zone 7b

Zone 7b's last spring frost averages Apr 5 and first fall frost Nov 1 — about 210 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 7b?

Tomato matures in about 60–85 days from transplanting. In zone 7b that means setting plants out around Apr 19 and first picking around Jun 18.

Will tomato survive frost in zone 7b?

No — tomato is frost-sensitive. In zone 7b, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 5) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 1).

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