When to Plant Tomato in Zone 9
Solanum lycopersicum
Last updated: Apr 25, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative ExtensionZone 9 Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
Jan 10
6–8 weeks before transplant
Transplant Out
Mar 10
After last frost (Feb 28)
First Harvest
May 15
60–85 days after planting
Season Ends
Nov 20
Before first frost (Nov 25)
Quick Facts
Sunlight
☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs
💧💧 Moderate
Spacing
24 inches apart
Planting Depth
0.25 inch
Min Soil Temp
60°F
Germination
5–10 days
Days to Maturity
60–85 days
Frost Tolerance
No frost tolerance
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
Difficulty
Easy
Recommended for Zone 9
🌱 Tomato Seeds & Supplies
Find seeds, soil, and tools suited for growing tomato in your zone.
Shop on Amazon →Companion Planting
Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.
✓ Good Companions
✗ Avoid Nearby
Brassicas Fennel
Tomato Schedule — All Zones
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest Start | Harvest End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | Mar 15 | May 25 | — | Jul 25 | Sep 10 |
| Zone 4 | Mar 10 | May 20 | — | Jul 20 | Sep 20 |
| Zone 5 | Mar 1 | May 10 | — | Jul 10 | Oct 1 |
| Zone 6 | Feb 15 | Apr 25 | — | Jun 25 | Oct 10 |
| Zone 7 | Feb 5 | Apr 15 | — | Jun 15 | Oct 20 |
| Zone 8 | Jan 20 | Mar 30 | — | Jun 1 | Nov 1 |
| Zone 9 | Jan 10 | Mar 10 | — | May 15 | Nov 20 |
| Zone 10 | Dec 15 | Feb 20 | — | May 1 | Dec 1 |
| Zone 11 | — | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Apr 1 | Dec 15 |
| Zone 12 | — | any | any | year_round | year_round |
| Zone 13 | — | any | any | year_round | year_round |
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.