When To Plant Tomatoes In Texas? Learn The Best Time To Grow This Fruit In The Lone Star State Here.
Tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients, considering they feature in many recipes, from soups and chutneys to pasta. Understandably, many people want to grow this fruit and use it in their dishes.
But when is the best time to plant tomatoes in Texas? For most residents of the Lone Star state, the growing season for tomatoes generally begins in late March or early April and lasts until mid-October or the end of December. However, Southern Texans can start gardening in January or February.
In This Article
Best Time To Grow Tomatoes In Texas
Consider The Frost Dates
Though you know a rough estimate for the tomato plant season, it’s best to look up the frost dates for your locality since they vary from one region to another. By doing so, you’ll know in which months to grow tomatoes.
With that in mind, below are the frost dates for some places in Texas. Make sure to plant crops outdoors between these two points in time. Alternatively, you can sow tomato seeds indoors six weeks before the last spring frost. Then, transfer them outside two weeks after the last frost has passed.
| Place | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington – March 18 & November 10 | ❄️ | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ | ❄️ |
| Beaumont – February 26 & November 26 | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ |
| Cedar Park – March 19 & November 13 | ❄️ | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ | ❄️ |
| Dallas – March 9 & November 20 | ❄️ | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ | ❄️ |
| Fort Worth – March 12 & November 14 | ❄️ | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ | ❄️ |
| Galveston – February 2 & December 22 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ |
| Harlingen – January 23 & December 27 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ |
| Keller – March 21 & November 8 | ❄️ | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ | ❄️ |
| Kingsville – February 8 & December 7 | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ |
| Lake Jackson – February 6 & December 17 | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ |
| McAllen – January 30 & December 22 | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ |
| Pasadena – February 18 & December 8 | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ |
| San Angelo – April 1 & November 4 | ❄️ | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ | ❄️ |
| Woodlands – March 1 & November 25 | ❄️ | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ |
| Weslaco – January 27 & December 20 | ❄️ | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | 🍅 | ❄️ |
In this table, the 🍅 (tomato) emoji represents the period when you can grow tomatoes outdoors, and the ❄️ (snowflake) emoji means the frost period.
Consider The Temperature
Aside from the frost dates, paying attention to the temperature is necessary, as tomatoes need the right level of warmth to thrive.
- 65 to 75 °F: Generally, the optimal range for these fruits is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Tomatoes will still sprout at 60 and over 75 degrees, but this process will take longer.
- 75 – 90 °F: These plants may not bear fruits if the weather reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and more than 75 degrees at night. This is why gardeners don’t grow tomatoes in Texas heat, specifically during extremely hot periods in July and August.
- <50°F: It’s also vital to remember that low temperatures can harm tomatoes. If the weather is icy (under 50 degrees), cover these crops or move them indoors to keep them warm.
- Check the soil
- Finally, it’s best to check the pH of the soil before planting, whether you grow tomatoes in pots or directly in the ground. The pH should be 6.2 to 6.8. Otherwise, you need to use some compost or other soil amendments to adjust the acidity or alkalinity of your garden bed.
Video: The Best Time to Plant Tomatoes In Texas
Extra Tips For Growing Tomatoes In Texas
- It’s necessary to check the maturation period of your crop variety. You can find this information on your seed package or Google. But generally, tomatoes take 60 to 100 days to grow fully. Thus, if you plant fall tomatoes in Texas, subtract this time from your first frost date and sow seeds accordingly. Otherwise, extreme chills will destroy your fruits before they’re ready for harvest.
- If your gardening season is short, plant tomato varieties that proliferate. Some examples are the Early Girl cultivar (maturing in 50 days) or the Celebrity type (harvestable in 65 days). This tip also applies to people living in north Texas, where the first frost often comes early.
- For those living in hot regions of Texas, where the temperature can reach 90 degrees, it’s best to grow tomatoes that adapt to such a climate. Examples are the Solar Fire, Sun Fire, Creole, and Tommy Toe varieties.
- If you buy transplants, ensure they don’t have yellow leaves, flowers, or fruits. Moreover, before moving the seedlings outdoors, ensure the soil is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water tomatoes generously, especially during the summer. The plants should get about 2 inches of water per square foot weekly.
- Eight to ten hours of sunshine are recommended for optimal development. Direct sunlight is also best.
- Our final tip concerns growing tomatoes in containers in Texas. If you go down this route, ensure the container is at least 20 inches long. Moreover, limit yourself to one plant per pot only and go for determinate varieties.
Conclusion: When To Plant Tomatoes In Texas?
When to plant tomatoes in Texas? You should do this when there’s no frost outdoors, when the soil pH is suitable, and when the temperature is warm enough. If you remember this tip and choose the appropriate tomato variety for your city or county, you can look forward to a successful harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions: Plant Tomatoes In Texas
Can I Plant Tomatoes Now In Texas?
Yes, you can plant tomatoes in Texas now if the current season is spring or early summer. Tomatoes need warm weather to grow, but not too hot.
What Month Is Best To Sow Tomatoes In Texas?
The best months to sow tomatoes in Texas are typically February and March. This gives the plants enough time to mature before the intense summer heat.
Do Tomatoes Need Full Sun In Texas?
Yes, tomatoes in Texas need full sun. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Can You Grow Tomatoes In Texas Summer?
Growing tomatoes in the Texas summer can be challenging due to the intense heat. However, with proper care and heat-tolerant varieties, it is possible.
Is Texas Too Hot For Tomatoes?
The heat in Texas can be intense for tomatoes, especially in mid-summer. However, selecting heat-tolerant varieties and providing adequate water can help them thrive.
Can Tomatoes Grow In The Winter In Texas?
In most parts of Texas, due to frost, tomatoes can’t grow outdoors in winter. However, in warmer regions or with indoor gardening, it’s possible.
Do Tomatoes Need Sun Or Heat In Texas?
Tomatoes need both sun and heat in Texas. They require at least six hours of sunlight and temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long Do Tomatoes Take To Grow In Texas?
On average, tomatoes take 60 to 80 days to mature in Texas. This can vary based on the variety and growing conditions.
How Often Do You Water Tomatoes In Texas?
In Texas, tomatoes typically need to be watered every 2-3 days. In the heat of summer, they may require daily watering.
How Late Can You Grow Tomatoes In Texas?
In Texas, you can plant a second crop of tomatoes as late as July for a fall harvest. However, they may need extra care to thrive in the summer heat.
Can I Grow Tomatoes In September In Texas?
Growing tomatoes in September in Texas can be challenging due to the heat, but it’s possible with heat-tolerant varieties and proper care.
Is July Too Late To Plant Tomatoes Texas?
July is not too late to plant tomatoes in Texas. You can plant a second crop for a fall harvest, but they may need extra care due to the summer heat.
Can You Grow Tomatoes In The Fall In Texas?
Yes, you can grow tomatoes in the fall in Texas. Planting in late summer can yield a productive fall harvest.
How Often Do You Water Tomatoes In Texas?
In Texas, tomatoes typically need to be watered every 2-3 days. In the heat of summer, they may require daily watering.
How Long Do Tomatoes Take To Grow In Texas?
On average, tomatoes take 60 to 80 days to mature in Texas. This can vary based on the variety and growing conditions.
How To Grow Tomatoes In Texas In Pots?
To grow tomatoes in pots in Texas, choose a large pot with good drainage. Use quality potting soil, water regularly, and place the pot in a location with full sun.
When To Plant Tomatoes In Central Texas?
In Central Texas, the best time to plant tomatoes is in late February to early March for a spring harvest and in July for a fall harvest.
When To Plant Fall Tomatoes In Texas?
Plant tomatoes for a fall harvest in Texas in late July to early August. This gives them enough time to mature before the first frost.
When To Plant Tomatoes In North Texas?
In North Texas, the best time to plant tomatoes is in early March for a spring harvest and in late July for a fall harvest.