Planting Guides

When to Plant Tomatoes in Austin: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 8b

Austin, Texas

USDA Zone 8b

Last Frost: Mar 1

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Plant tomatoes in Austin after February 28 with these Zone 8b varieties. Get specific dates, timeline, and heat-tolerant cultivars for Texas success.

CCarlos Mendez

October 30, 2025

Tomato seedlings ready for planting in Austin Texas Zone 8b garden — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Plant tomatoes in Austin starting March 7-14 for spring crops. Choose heat-tolerant varieties and plan fall planting for extended harvests.

TL;DR

Austin's Zone 8b climate allows tomato planting from mid-February through early April for spring crops, with fall planting in July-August. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl', Solanum lycopersicum 'Surefire Red', and Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix' for best results in Texas heat. Dual-season growing maximizes harvests before summer stress hits.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the last frost date in Austin for tomato planting?

Austin's average last frost date is February 28, but I always wait until March 7-14 to transplant tomatoes outdoors. This one-week buffer protects against late cold snaps that can damage or kill tender transplants. Even a light frost can set tomato plants back weeks in development, so the extra safety time is worth it. Start seeds indoors January 15 for transplanting in early March, giving plants optimal establishment time before summer heat arrives.

What tomato varieties work best in Austin's Zone 8b climate?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' and Solanum lycopersicum 'Surefire Red' are my top choices for Austin after testing dozens of varieties over forty years. Early Girl produces heavily before summer heat stress, while Surefire Red was bred specifically for Texas heat tolerance. Solanum lycopersicum 'Celebrity' provides excellent disease resistance for Austin's humid conditions, and Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice' works perfectly for fall planting when temperatures moderate.

Can you grow tomatoes year-round in Austin Texas?

Austin's Zone 8b climate allows two distinct growing seasons: spring planting in March for harvest through June, and fall planting in August for harvest through November. Summer heat (July-August) stops fruit production even in heat-tolerant varieties, creating a natural dormancy period. With protection like row covers, fall crops can sometimes produce through December. True year-round production requires greenhouse protection during occasional winter freezes.

How do you deal with Austin's clay soil for tomato growing?

Austin's clay soil requires expanded shale amendment rather than sand, which creates concrete when mixed with clay. Till in 2-3 inches of expanded shale 8 inches deep, along with compost for organic matter. The alkaline pH (7.5-8.5) needs gradual lowering with sulfur applications—add 1 pound per 100 square feet each fall. Don't fight the clay; improve its structure while working with its moisture-retention benefits during hot summers.

When should you plant fall tomatoes in Austin?

Start fall tomato seeds July 15-22 for transplanting August 15-22. This timing allows plants to establish before first frost November 29 while avoiding the worst summer heat stress. Fall varieties like Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice' and determinate types work best because they mature quickly. Fall tomatoes often have better flavor than spring crops due to slower ripening in cooler September-October temperatures, making the summer seed-starting effort worthwhile.

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Written By

Carlos Mendez

Carlos grew up helping his abuelos tend their backyard garden in San Antonio, Texas, but didn't get serious about growing his own food until he bought his first house in Austin. He works as an HVAC technician during the day and gardens in the early mornings and evenings. Carlos specializes in heat-tolerant vegetables and container growing—essential skills for Texas summers and his south-facing driveway that gets intense sun. He's learned through plenty of failures (multiple dead fig trees, countless bolted lettuce crops) and now helps neighbors troubleshoot their own gardens. His YouTube channel documenting his container tomato experiments has a small but dedicated following. Carlos is passionate about growing food on a budget, often sourcing free containers and building his own compost.