When to plant tomato in zone 8b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Feb 1 · Transplant Mar 29 · First harvest May 28 · Wrap by Aug 6

Last spring frostMar 15

Start seeds indoorsFeb 1

Transplant outMar 29

First harvestMay 28

Last harvestAug 6

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 8b?

Tomato matures in about 60–85 days from transplanting. In zone 8b that means setting plants out around Mar 29 and first picking around May 28.

Will tomato survive frost in zone 8b?

No — tomato is frost-sensitive. In zone 8b, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

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