When to plant tomato in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Jan 17 · Transplant Mar 14 · First harvest May 13 · Wrap by Jul 22

Last spring frostFeb 28

Start seeds indoorsJan 17

Transplant outMar 14

First harvestMay 13

Last harvestJul 22

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 9a?

Tomato matures in about 60–85 days from transplanting. In zone 9a that means setting plants out around Mar 14 and first picking around May 13.

Will tomato survive frost in zone 9a?

No — tomato is frost-sensitive. In zone 9a, wait until after the last frost (around Feb 28) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

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