Planting Guides

When to Plant Tomatoes in Memphis: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 7b

Memphis, Tennessee

USDA Zone 7b

Last Frost: Apr 5

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn when to plant tomatoes in Memphis with specific dates for Zone 7b. Compare 6 varieties & discover which tomatoes grow best in Tennessee.

MMarcus Washington

October 30, 2025

Memphis gardener preparing tomato seedlings for planting in Tennessee Zone 7b — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Start tomato seeds indoors February 15 in Memphis. Transplant outdoors April 18-25 after last frost.

TL;DR

Memphis tomato growers should start seeds indoors February 15 and transplant outdoors after April 4. Zone 7b's 210-day growing season supports both heat-tolerant varieties like 'Cherokee Purple' and standard picks like 'Early Girl'. The key is beating Memphis summer heat while avoiding late spring frost damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the latest I can plant tomatoes in Memphis?

For spring planting, the latest practical date is May 15. Beyond that, plants face Memphis summer heat before they're established. For fall crops, start seeds by July 15 to transplant in August, giving plants time to mature before frost arrives October 31.

Which tomato varieties handle Memphis heat best?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple', Solanum lycopersicum 'Phoenix', and Solanum lycopersicum 'Heatmaster' all continue setting fruit when temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C). These varieties were bred or selected for hot, humid southern climates and outperform standard varieties during Memphis summers.

Can I grow tomatoes year-round in Memphis Zone 7b?

No, Memphis winters are too cold for outdoor tomato growing. However, you can extend the season with cold frames or hoop tunnels to harvest into December, and start earlier in March with season extension protection.

How do I prevent early blight in Memphis's humid climate?

Space plants 30 inches (75 cm) apart for air circulation, mulch heavily to prevent soil splash, remove lower leaves touching the ground, and apply preventive copper fungicide every 2-3 weeks starting in May. Good sanitation prevents most fungal problems.

Should I prune tomato plants in Memphis?

Yes, remove suckers and lower branches on indeterminate varieties to improve air circulation. Memphis humidity promotes fungal diseases, so pruning for airflow is more important here than in dry climates. Remove any diseased or yellowing leaves immediately.

What's the best soil type for Memphis tomato growing?

Memphis clay needs amendment with compost or aged manure to improve drainage. Raised beds filled with 1/3 compost, 1/3 topsoil, and 1/3 coarse sand work better than trying to improve native clay. Tomatoes need well-draining soil that still holds moisture consistently.

Do I need to protect tomato plants from Memphis storms?

Strong support systems are essential. Use 8-foot (2.4 m) metal stakes or heavy-duty cages that won't collapse under wind and rain. Memphis thunderstorms can flatten unsupported plants, especially large indeterminate varieties loaded with fruit.

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Tagged with

#Memphis gardening #Zone 7b tomatoes #Tennessee tomato growing #when to plant tomatoes #Cherokee Purple #Early Girl #tomato planting dates #Memphis vegetables #southern tomato varieties #heat tolerant tomatoes

Written By

Marcus Washington

Marcus manages the grounds at a historic property in Memphis and runs a side business doing residential garden design. He grew up helping his grandfather maintain a large vegetable garden in the Mississippi Delta and carried that knowledge into formal training—he has a degree in landscape technology. Memphis sits in a sweet spot for growing: long warm seasons, decent rainfall, and mild enough winters that many marginally hardy plants survive. Marcus writes about Southern gardening traditions, ornamental garden design, and dealing with the humidity and heavy rainfall that define the Mid-South climate.