When Should You Plant Tomatoes In Texas

If you’re planning your Texas garden, knowing when should you plant tomatoes in Texas is the key to a great harvest. Getting the timing right helps you avoid frost, beat the heat, and enjoy months of homegrown fruit.

Texas is a big state with diverse climates, so there isn’t one single perfect date. Your planting schedule depends heavily on whether you live in North, Central, or South Texas. This guide breaks it down by region and gives you the practical steps for success.

This is your core planting calendar. The goal is to plant so that tomatoes mature during the mild periods of spring and fall, avoiding the extreme summer heat and winter frosts.

North Texas Planting Window

This region includes cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Amarillo. Winters are colder, and the last spring frost is later.

Spring Planting: Transplant seedlings outdoors between March 15 and April 1. Wait until all danger of frost has passed.
Fall Planting: For a second crop, aim to transplant new seedlings between July 15 and August 1. This gives them time to set fruit before the first fall frost in November.

Central Texas Planting Window

This covers Austin, San Antonio, and the Hill Country. It offers a longer growing season with milder winters.

Spring Planting: You can start a bit earlier here. Transplant from March 1 to March 20.
Fall Planting: This is often the best season for tomatoes in Central Texas. Plant your fall transplants between July 20 and August 10.

South Texas & Gulf Coast Planting Window

This hot, humid region includes Houston, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley. Frost is rare, but summer heat is intense.

Spring Planting: Start very early. Transplant from February 1 to February 20.
Fall Planting: This is the primary planting season here. Put transplants in the ground from August 1 to September 1 for a harvest that lasts into winter.

Why Two Seasons Matter

Tomatoes stop setting fruit when night temperatures stay above 75°F and day temps are consistently over 90°F. By planting in late winter for a spring harvest and again in late summer for a fall harvest, you work around the punishing mid-summer heat.

Starting Seeds vs. Buying Transplants

Most gardeners use transplants (small seedlings). For spring, you can buy these at local nurseries. For the fall season, you’ll likely need to start your own seeds indoors.

For Spring Tomatoes: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your transplant date. For North Texas, that means starting in mid-January.
For Fall Tomatoes: Start seeds indoors in mid to late June. It can be tricky to find transplants for sale in summer, so starting seeds gives you the best variaty selection.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to give your tomatoes a strong start, no matter when you plant.

1. Choose the Right Varieties

Select types known for heat-setting and disease resistance. Look for codes like VFN on the tag.

For Heat Tolerance: Consider ‘Solar Fire’, ‘Phoenix’, ‘Heatmaster’, or ‘Sunmaster’.
Cherry Tomatoes: ‘Sweet 100’, ‘Sun Gold’, and ‘Super Sweet 100’ often perform well in heat.
Determinate vs. Indeterminate: Determinate (bush) types are good for early, concentrated harvests. Indeterminate (vining) types produce all season but may need extra care in peak summer.

2. Prepare Your Soil

Tomatoes need deep, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the planting area.
Raised beds are excellent for improving drainage, especially in areas with heavy clay soil.
A soil pH between 6.2 and 6.8 is ideal. You can get a simple test kit to check.

3. Plant Deeply and Space Correctly

This is a critical tomato tip.

Dig a hole deep enough to bury two-thirds of the stem.
Remove the lower leaves and place the plant in the hole. Roots will form all along the buried stem, creating a stronger plant.
Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart for good air circulation, which prevents disease.

4. Water and Mulch Immediately

Water deeply right after planting to settle the soil. Then, apply a 3-inch layer of mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips) around the plants. Mulch keeps soil moist, cool, and prevents weeds from taking over your garden.

5. Provide Support Early

Install cages or stakes at planting time to avoid damaging roots later. Texas storms and wind can topple unsupported plants easily.

Protecting Your Plants from Texas Extremes

Late Frost Protection

If a surprise frost threatens your spring plants, cover them with frost cloth, old sheets, or even cardboard boxes. Remove the covers in the morning once temps rise.

Beating the Summer Heat

Use shade cloth (30-40%) during the hottest part of the afternoon in July and August. It can prevent blossom drop and sunscald on the fruit. Consistent, deep watering is also crucial—water at the base, not the leaves, and aim for 1-2 inches per week.

Common Texas Tomato Problems & Solutions

Blossom End Rot: Caused by uneven watering. Maintain consistent soil moisture with mulch and regular watering.
Spider Mites: Thrive in hot, dry weather. Spray plants with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
Early Blight & Fungal Issues: Water at ground level, not overhead. Ensure good spacing for air flow. Rotate where you plant tomatoes each year if you can.

FAQ: Texas Tomato Planting

Can you grow tomatoes year-round in Texas?
In South Texas, you might have nearly year-round production with protection. In most of the state, the extreme summer heat and winter freezes make two distinct seasons (spring and fall) the reliable approach.

What is the best month to plant tomatoes in Texas?
It varies. For spring: February in South Texas, March in Central Texas, and late March/April in North Texas. For fall: July-August statewide, with South Texas going into early September.

Is it too late to plant tomatoes in May?
For a spring crop, yes, it’s generally too late in most of Texas. The heat will set in before the plant establishes well. However, you can plant heat-tolerant varieties in May to prepare for a fall harvest, but they’ll need careful shading and watering through the summer.

How long is tomato season in Texas?
With proper spring and fall planting, you can harvest fresh tomatoes from late April/May through June, and again from September/October until the first hard frost, which might be in November or December depending on your location.

By following these regional timelines and tips, you’ll maximize your chances for a bountiful tomato harvest. Remember, gardening in Texas is all about working with the climate, not against it. Paying attention to your local frost dates and summer heat waves is your best tool for success.