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.

DDorothy "Dot" Williams

October 30, 2025

Tomato plants thriving in Los Angeles garden showing when to plant tomatoes in Southern California — — Image © PlantReference.org 2025

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.

Product Recommendations

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter T10

($9-12)— Essential for managing irrigation in LA's clay soil

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter T10 Bonsai Moisture Testing for Garden, Farm, Lawn

https://www.amazon.com/XLUX-T10-Moisture-Sensor-Meter/dp/B014MJ8J2U

This 10-inch probe reaches deep into Los Angeles clay soil to provide accurate moisture readings at root level. No batteries required for instant feedback on irrigation needs. Durable construction withstands repeated use in multiple garden beds. Simple push-and-read operation helps prevent both overwatering and drought stress. Essential tool for managing drip irrigation systems and determining watering schedules. Particularly valuable during LA's variable weather patterns when surface soil appearance deceives. Affordable solution for precise water management in Mediterranean climate conditions.

Price: $9.99-$11.99

Agribon AG-30 Floating Row Cover

($24-32)— Provides heat protection and pest control

Agribon AG-30 Floating Row Cover 83" x 25' Frost Protection Plant Blanket

https://www.amazon.com/Agribon-AG-30-Floating-Cover-Protection/dp/B01N6W5ZKJ

Professional-grade 30% shade fabric protects tomatoes from Los Angeles summer heat while maintaining air circulation. UV-stabilized polypropylene withstands intense Southern California sun without degrading. Creates beneficial microclimate that reduces heat stress and prevents sunscald on developing fruit. Easy installation over hoops or directly on plants during heat waves. Reusable season after season with proper storage. Also provides protection from strong Santa Ana winds that can damage plants and strip blossoms. Essential equipment for extending tomato season through summer months when temperatures exceed optimal growing ranges.

Price: $24.99-$31.99

Dr. Earth Organic Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer

($18-24)— Formulated for California growing conditions

Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer 4 lb

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Earth-Organic-Vegetable-Fertilizer/dp/B001AUYFLQ

Specially formulated organic fertilizer designed for California growing conditions with balanced NPK ratio perfect for tomatoes. Contains beneficial soil microbes that improve clay soil structure common in Los Angeles gardens. Slow-release formula provides consistent nutrition throughout the extended growing season without burning plants during heat waves. Includes mycorrhizae fungi that enhance root development and water uptake efficiency in Mediterranean climates. OMRI listed for organic gardening and safe around pets and children. Feeds plants for up to 2 months with single application, reducing maintenance during busy summer months.

Price: $18.99-$23.99

Raindrip Automatic Drip Irrigation Kit

($35-45)— Critical for consistent watering in LA heat

Raindrip SDPCTKIT Complete Drip Irrigation Kit for Container and Raised Bed Gardens

https://www.amazon.com/Raindrip-SDPCTKIT-Complete-Irrigation-Container/dp/B00HRBY4HA

Complete drip irrigation system designed for raised beds and container tomatoes common in Los Angeles gardens. Includes 25 feet of distribution tubing, emitters, and all necessary fittings for immediate installation. Pressure-compensating emitters deliver consistent water flow even with varying water pressure typical in municipal systems. Timer compatibility allows automated watering essential during summer heat and travel periods. Expandable design accommodates garden growth and seasonal changes. Reduces water waste compared to overhead sprinklers while delivering precise moisture to root zones. Professional results with DIY installation suitable for weekend garden projects.

Price: $35.99-$44.99

Tomato Cages Heavy Duty Steel

($28-35)— Essential support for LA's extended growing season

LEOBRO Tomato Cages Plant Cages 48" Heavy Duty Tomato Support with Arms

https://www.amazon.com/LEOBRO-Tomato-Support-Galvanized-Climbing/dp/B08R9C8QH6

Professional-grade 48-inch galvanized steel tomato cages engineered for indeterminate varieties that grow vigorously in Los Angeles's extended season. Powder-coated finish resists corrosion from coastal humidity and irrigation systems. Foldable arms adjust to plant growth stages and facilitate harvest access. Heavy-duty construction supports fruit load from productive heirloom varieties like Cherokee Purple and Brandywine. Stackable design saves storage space between seasons. Easy assembly with no tools required for quick seasonal setup. Investment-grade quality that outlasts cheaper wire alternatives while providing superior plant support throughout the 9-10 month growing season.

Price: $28.99-$34.99

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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Written By

Dorothy "Dot" Williams

Dot grew up on a small farm in rural Virginia and has maintained a vegetable garden for decades. After retiring from teaching elementary school, she became a Master Gardener volunteer and spends her time mentoring new gardeners at community garden plots in Richmond. She's especially knowledgeable about heirloom varieties, seed saving, and traditional growing methods passed down from her grandmother. Dot's no-nonsense advice comes from extensive trial and error—she's seen every tomato disease, pest problem, and weather disaster imaginable. Her biggest pet peeve is gardeners who overcomplicate simple tasks. "Plants want to grow," she often says. "Your job is to not get in their way."