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Can You Grow Tomato in California?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Grows well here

Tomatoes grow well here — plant after your last frost date and expect harvest within 60-85 days.

Plant zones

4a–11b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

60–85 days

When to plant Tomatoes in California

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 10

Harvest

Mar 11 – Apr 5

Dates are approximate, based on California's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Tomato

One of the most popular garden vegetables — thrives in warm weather and full sun with consistent moisture.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Plant deeply — tomatoes root along buried stems. Water consistently to prevent blossom end rot.

Full tomato growing guide →

Gardening in California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.

See what grows well in California →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Tomato in California?

Tomatoes grow well here — plant after your last frost date and expect harvest within 60-85 days.

What zone is California?

California spans USDA Zone 9b (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b).

When do you plant Tomatoes in California?

Plant Tomatoes around mid-January (start indoors Jan 1), harvest Mar 11 – Apr 5.