Planting Guides
When to Plant Tomatoes in Los Angeles: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 10b
Los Angeles, California
USDA Zone 10b
Last Frost: Feb 15
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Plant tomatoes in Los Angeles year-round with best results from March-May and September-November. This complete Zone 10b guide covers optimal varieties, specific planting dates, and LA-specific growing tips for maximum harvest success.
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Quick Answer
Plant tomatoes in Los Angeles March through May and September through November. Avoid July-August summer heat for best fruit set and plant health.
TL;DR
Los Angeles tomato planting happens year-round in Zone 10b, with optimal planting windows March-May and September-November. Start Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' and Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' for reliable harvests. Avoid summer planting (July-August) due to extreme heat stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the absolute best time to plant tomatoes in Los Angeles?
March through April represents the optimal planting window in Los Angeles. This timing allows plants to establish during mild spring weather, reach peak production before summer heat stress, and potentially continue producing into fall. Plants started in March often yield continuously from May through October with proper care and variety selection.
Can I really grow tomatoes year-round in Los Angeles Zone 10b?
Yes, but with important limitations during summer and winter months. While Los Angeles's frost-free climate technically allows year-round growing, practical success varies by season. Spring and fall plantings produce the best yields and quality. Summer requires heat-tolerant varieties and extra care, while winter production slows significantly due to shorter days and cooler temperatures, though Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice' continues producing.
Which tomato varieties handle Los Angeles summer heat best?
Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' and Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' demonstrate superior heat tolerance in Los Angeles gardens. Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' continues setting fruit when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C), while other varieties enter dormancy. Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' maintains production but requires protection from intense sun to prevent fruit splitting. Both varieties outperform heat-sensitive heirlooms like Solanum lycopersicum 'Brandywine' during summer months.
How do I prevent blossom end rot in Los Angeles's dry climate?
Consistent soil moisture prevents blossom end rot more effectively than adding calcium. Los Angeles's low humidity and hot, dry winds can rapidly change soil moisture levels, disrupting calcium transport to developing fruit. Install drip irrigation to maintain steady moisture, apply 3-4 inch (8-10 cm) organic mulch layer, and avoid cultivation that damages feeder roots. Solanum lycopersicum 'San Marzano' particularly requires attention to consistent watering schedules.
Should I use shade cloth for tomatoes in Los Angeles?
30% shade cloth benefits tomatoes during July and August heat waves when temperatures consistently exceed 95°F (35°C). However, avoid permanent shading as tomatoes require full sun for optimal production during spring and fall seasons. Install removable shade structures that provide afternoon protection while maintaining morning sun exposure. This approach prevents sunscald while maintaining photosynthetic capacity for continued fruit development.
Can I plant tomatoes directly from seed outdoors in Los Angeles?
Direct seeding works during optimal spring conditions but transplants provide better results. Los Angeles's consistent spring temperatures allow direct sowing from mid-March through April, but transplants establish faster and produce earlier harvests. If direct seeding, plant seeds ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep in prepared soil when temperatures remain above 60°F (15°C). Provide consistent moisture and thin seedlings to proper spacing once established.
What's the difference between planting dates for different tomato types in LA?
All tomato types share the same optimal planting windows in Los Angeles, but their harvest timing varies significantly. Determinate varieties like some Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' strains produce concentrated harvests 50-62 days after transplanting, ideal for processing. Indeterminate varieties including Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' and {Solanum lycopersicum 'Brandywine' produce continuously once established, making them better choices for fresh eating throughout the extended Los Angeles growing season.
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Emma Chen
Emma runs a small succulent propagation business from her home in San Diego, shipping starter plants and cuttings across the country. She fell into succulents after college when she realized they were the only plants that survived her travel schedule—she was working as a travel nurse at the time. San Diego's mild, dry climate is ideal for outdoor succulent gardens, and Emma's front yard is a living catalog of over 200 varieties. She completed a certificate program in ornamental horticulture and writes about succulent care, propagation techniques, and drought-tolerant garden design. Her writing is calm and reassuring—she knows people feel bad about killing plants, and she wants them to stop worrying so much.
