When To Plant Fall Tomatoes In Texas

If you want a second shot at homegrown tomatoes this year, knowing exactly when to plant fall tomatoes in Texas is your first step. Getting this timing right is the secret to a bountiful harvest before the first frost arrives.

Fall tomato gardening in Texas is a rewarding challenge. The intense summer heat makes it different from spring planting. But with the right schedule and varieties, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes well into the cooler months. This guide gives you the clear, practical steps you need to succeed.

Timing is everything for a fall crop. Plant too early, and seedlings struggle in the summer heat. Plant too late, and they won’t mature before frost.

For most of Texas, the ideal planting window is from late July through mid-August. Your exact date depends on your location and the first average frost date in your area.

Key Dates by Texas Region

North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth): Aim for July 20th to August 10th. The first frost typically arrives in mid-to-late November.
Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio): Plant between August 1st and August 20th. You often have a longer season, with frost in late November or early December.
South Texas (Corpus Christi, Rio Grande Valley): You can plant as late as early September. Frost is rare, so your season may extend into winter.
West Texas (Lubbock, El Paso): Target late July. The higher elevations mean an earlier frost, often by early November.

A good rule is to count backwards from your first frost date. Choose varieties that mature in 70 days or less and give them that many days plus two extra weeks for slower growth in fall. This buffer is crucial for success.

Why Fall Planting is Different

Fall gardening flips the script. You start with extreme heat and end with cool weather. This means your main challenges are protecting young plants from sun scald and ensuring they set fruit as nights get longer and cooler.

Choosing the Best Tomato Varieties for Fall

Not all tomatoes are created equal for a fall harvest. You need varieties with two key traits: heat tolerance and a short “days to maturity” number.

Determinate Types (Bush): These produce their fruit all at once over a shorter period. They are often a good choice for getting a concentrated harvest before frost.
Early-Maturing Varieties: Look for labels stating 65-75 days to maturity. These will fruit faster, giving you a better chance.

Top Recommended Varieties for Texas Fall

Celebrity: A reliable, disease-resistant all-rounder that handles heat well (70 days).
Early Girl: Lives up to its name, producing fruit in about 50-60 days.
Solar Fire: Bred specifically for heat-set, it will form fruit even when temperatures are high.
Cherry & Grape Types: Like Super Sweet 100 or Juliet, these smaller-fruited types mature quickly and produce heavily.
Phoenix: Another excellent heat-tolerant choice with good disease resistance.

Avoid large beefsteak tomatoes that require 85+ days. They likely won’t have enough time to ripen fully before the season ends.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Your Fall Tomatoes

1. Starting Seeds vs. Buying Transplants

For a fall crop, you usually need to start seeds indoors in early summer or purchase transplants from a nursery in mid-summer. Finding transplants in July can be tricky, so calling local nurseries ahead of time is a smart move.

2. Preparing the Soil

Tomatoes need well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. If you’re replanting in a bed used for spring crops, replenish it.

Mix in 3-4 inches of quality compost or well-rotted manure.
Add a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer according to package directions.
Ensure the planting site gets at least 6-8 hours of full sun.

3. The Planting Process

Harden Off Transplants: If your plants were indoors or in a shaded nursery, acclimate them to full sun over 5-7 days.
Plant Deeply: Bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves. This encourages a stronger root system along the buried stem.
Water Immediately: Give them a thorough soak to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
Provide Shade: For the first 7-10 days, use a shade cloth or even a propped-up board on the south side to protect them from the harsh afternoon sun. This step can make or break your planting success.

Caring for Your Fall Tomato Plants

Watering Wisely

Consistent moisture is vital, especially during the initial establishment and flowering. Water deeply at the base 2-3 times a week, depending on rainfall. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease. Mulching is your best friend—it conserves water, cools the soil, and suppresses weeds.

Fertilizing for Growth

Feed your plants regularly. Use a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks or follow the schedule of your slow-release fertilizer. When flowers appear, you can switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus to encourage fruit set. But don’t overdo the nitrogen, as this will promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit.

Managing Pests and Disease

Fall gardens often have fewer pests than spring, but stay vigilant. Watch for hornworms, stink bugs, and spider mites. Fungal diseases can also be a problem. Promote good air circulation by pruning suckers and using cages. Remove any diseased leaves promptly.

Ensuring Fruit Set in Cooler Weather

As nights cool in late September and October, tomato flowers sometimes have trouble setting fruit. You can gently shake the flowering branches every few days to mimic pollinating insects. This simple trick can really improve your yield.

Protecting Your Harvest from Early Frost

Texas weather is unpredictable. An early frost can threaten your nearly-ripe harvest. Be prepared to protect your plants.

Frost Cloth or Blankets: Have them ready to drape over your plants on cold nights. Secure the cloth to the ground to trap heat from the soil.
Harvest Green Tomatoes: If a hard freeze is forecast, pick all mature green tomatoes. They can be ripened indoors on a counter or in a paper bag with a banana.

Remember, covering your plants can extend your season by several weeks, allowing more fruit to ripen fully on the vine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting Too Late: This is the number one reason for fall crop failure. Stick to the recommended windows.
Neglecting to Acclimate Transplants: Placing tender plants directly into blazing sun will stress or kill them.
Overlooking Water Needs: The late summer heat is intense. Young plants need consistent moisture to establish.
Choosing the Wrong Variety: A 90-day tomato simply won’t work for a fall planting in most of Texas.

FAQ: Fall Tomatoes in Texas

Can I plant tomatoes in September in Texas?

In South Texas, yes. In Central and North Texas, September is generally too late to plant from a transplant unless you are using a very fast-maturing cherry type and have a long forcast for a mild fall.

What is the latest you can plant tomatoes for fall?

The latest date is about 90-100 days before your area’s average first frost. For Central Texas, this is usually very early September at the absolute latest for short-season varieties.

How do I get my fall tomatoes to turn red?

As temperatures drop, ripening slows. If frost is coming, pick mature green tomatoes and bring them inside to ripen. They will develop full color and flavor at room temperature.

Should I prune my fall tomato plants?

Light pruning to improve air flow is good. However, avoid heavy pruning in the fall, as you need all the leaves you have to support fruit production and ripening before the season ends.

By following this guide, you can navigate the unique Texas fall growing season. With careful timing, the right plant choices, and a little extra care, you’ll be rewarded with a productive harvest of fresh tomatoes long after summer has passed.