Planting Guides
When to Plant Tomatoes in Oklahoma City: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 7a
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
USDA Zone 7a
Last Frost: Apr 1
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Learn when to plant tomatoes in Oklahoma City with specific dates for Zone 7a. Compare 6 varieties, get a complete timeline, and discover which tomatoes grow best.
— Image © PlantReference.org 2026
Quick Answer
Start tomato seeds indoors February 3-10 for Oklahoma City. Transplant outdoors April 7-14 after last frost March 31.
TL;DR
Plant tomatoes in Oklahoma City after March 31 when the last frost passes. Start seeds indoors February 3-10 for transplant readiness. Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' and Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' perform exceptionally well in Zone 7a's climate, handling both spring cold snaps and summer heat effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start tomato seeds indoors in Oklahoma City?
Start tomato seeds indoors February 3-10 for Oklahoma City. This gives plants 8 weeks to develop strong root systems before transplanting after the March 31 last frost date. Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' and Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice' can be started first, followed by heat-loving varieties like Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' later in the window.
What tomato varieties grow best in Oklahoma City's Zone 7a climate?
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' and Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' are top performers in Oklahoma City. Cherokee Purple originated in nearby Tennessee with similar hot summers and handles heat stress exceptionally well. Early Girl sets fruit reliably in cool spring weather and produces before summer heat stress begins. Both varieties adapt well to Oklahoma's clay soil and variable rainfall patterns.
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in Oklahoma City?
Yes, direct seeding works for warm-season varieties like Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' planted April 15-30 when soil reaches 60°F (16°C). However, transplants give a significant advantage in Oklahoma City's 218-day growing season, allowing harvest before intense summer heat. Direct-seeded plants mature 3-4 weeks later than transplants.
How do I protect tomatoes from Oklahoma's strong winds?
Use concrete reinforcement wire (remesh) instead of standard tomato cages—they won't blow over in 30 mph Oklahoma winds. Drive 6-foot stakes 18 inches deep for indeterminate varieties. Space plants wider (36 inches for large varieties) to reduce wind stress and improve air circulation. Position beds on the north side of fences or buildings for natural windbreak protection.
Why do my tomatoes stop producing fruit in July and August?
Oklahoma's summer heat causes blossom drop when night temperatures exceed 75°F (24°C). This is normal physiological response—tomato pollen becomes sterile in extreme heat. Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' and Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice' show better heat tolerance than Solanum lycopersicum 'Brandywine'. Provide afternoon shade with 30% shade cloth and maintain consistent soil moisture. Production typically resumes in September when temperatures moderate.
How often should I water tomatoes during Oklahoma summers?
Maintain consistent soil moisture rather than following a rigid schedule. Oklahoma's clay soil retains water well but can become either waterlogged or concrete-hard. Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver steady moisture. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to prevent soil temperature spikes and reduce evaporation. During 95°F+ heat waves, check soil daily and water when top 2 inches become dry.
When can I expect my first tomato harvest in Oklahoma City?
Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' and Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice' begin producing late May to early June from February-started transplants. Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' matures in July, while Solanum lycopersicum 'Brandywine' requires the full growing season, producing August through frost. Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold' cherry tomatoes provide continuous harvest from June through November 4 first frost.
NEW PLANT DAILY
Think you know your plants?
Test your botanical knowledge with a new plant identification challenge every day. Build your streak, learn fascinating plant facts, and become a plant identification expert!
Build your streak
One chance per day
Learn as you play
Free account required • Takes less than 30 seconds
Tagged with
Written By
R
Robert Foster
Robert is a retired meteorologist who turned his lifelong hobby of gardening into a second career writing about weather-climate interactions and their effects on plants. Living in Oklahoma, he's seen it all—ice storms, tornadoes, 110°F heat, and drought, sometimes in the same month. Robert brings a data-driven approach to gardening, tracking weather patterns and correlating them with plant performance in his own large garden. He's particularly knowledgeable about wind-resistant plantings, storm damage recovery, and the challenge of gardening in a climate where extremes are the norm rather than the exception. Robert is a calm, measured writer who presents information without drama.
