Planting Guides
When to Plant Tomatoes in Houston: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 9a
Houston, Texas
USDA Zone 9a
Last Frost: Feb 15
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Learn exactly when to plant tomatoes in Houston with specific dates for Zone 9a, plus the best varieties that thrive in Texas heat and humidity.
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Quick Answer
Plant spring tomatoes in Houston March 1-15 after February 14 last frost. Start fall crops July 15-August 1 for harvest until December frost.
TL;DR
Houston's Zone 9a climate allows two tomato seasons: plant spring crops March 1-15 for summer harvest, and fall crops July 15-August 1 for winter production. Heat-tolerant varieties like 'Phoenix', 'Heatmaster', and 'Stupice' perform best in Houston's challenging summer conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the absolute latest I can plant tomatoes in Houston for a fall crop?
August 15 represents the latest viable planting date for fall tomatoes in Houston. Plants need approximately 70-80 days to mature, and with Houston's average first frost on November 30, this timing allows just enough growing time. However, planting by July 15-August 1 provides better insurance against early frost and allows plants to establish before cooler weather arrives. Later plantings risk not reaching maturity before winter dormancy begins.
Which tomato varieties handle Houston's summer heat and humidity best?
Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix' and Solanum lycopersicum 'Heatmaster' are the top performers for Houston's challenging summer conditions. These varieties were specifically bred to continue setting fruit when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C) and nighttime temperatures stay above 75°F (24°C). Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice' also shows excellent heat tolerance despite being an heirloom variety. Avoid large beefsteak varieties like 'Brandywine' which struggle with Houston's heat and humidity.
Should I try to keep my spring tomato plants alive through Houston's summer?
No, it's generally better to remove spring plants by late June and focus energy on fall crops. Houston's summer heat (95°F+ days with 75°F+ nights) stops fruit production in most varieties, and stressed plants become magnets for pests and diseases. Remove spent spring plants, improve the soil with compost, and transplant fresh fall seedlings for much better results. This two-season approach produces more tomatoes with less effort.
How do I prevent blossom end rot in Houston's clay soil?
Consistent moisture is the key to preventing blossom end rot in Houston's challenging clay soils. Install drip irrigation to maintain even soil moisture, never allowing complete drying followed by heavy watering. Amend clay soil heavily with compost to improve drainage and water-holding capacity. Apply 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) of organic mulch to prevent moisture fluctuation. The problem is rarely soil calcium deficiency but rather the plant's inability to transport calcium during water stress.
Can I grow tomatoes year-round in Houston's Zone 9a climate?
While Houston's 289-day frost-free season is exceptionally long, true year-round production is challenging. The summer heat from July through August typically stops fruit production even in heat-tolerant varieties. Most successful Houston gardeners use a two-season approach: spring planting in March for May-June harvest, then fall planting in July-August for September-December harvest. With protection from frost, some fall plants may survive into January in mild years, but consistent winter production requires greenhouse protection.
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Aisha Patel
Aisha manages a small tropical nursery on the east side of Houston, specializing in plants that can handle the Gulf Coast's humidity, heat, and unpredictable flooding. She studied horticulture in college and worked at a wholesale grower before opening her own operation. Growing up, her parents kept a kitchen garden with okra, bitter gourd, and curry leaf plants—a tradition she's continued. Houston's subtropical climate lets her grow things most of the country can't, but it also means dealing with fungal issues, standing water, and summers where it's too hot for even tomatoes. Aisha writes about tropical and subtropical plant care, humidity management, and working with heavy clay soils.
