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.

DDorothy "Dot" Williams

October 30, 2025

Tomato seedlings ready for planting in Oklahoma City Zone 7a garden with timing chart — — Image © PlantReference.org 2025

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.

Product Recommendations

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter T10

($10-15)— Essential for monitoring Oklahoma clay soil moisture levels

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter T10 Bonsai Care Kit

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

Long 10-inch probe reaches deep into Oklahoma's heavy clay soil to accurately measure root zone moisture levels. No batteries required—simple push-and-read design provides instant feedback on soil conditions. Durable construction withstands repeated use in hard clay soil. Particularly valuable for Oklahoma gardeners dealing with inconsistent rainfall and clay soil that can appear dry on surface while remaining wet below. Essential for preventing both overwatering and drought stress in heat-sensitive varieties like San Marzano.

Price: $10.99-$14.99

Dripworks Garden Drip Irrigation Kit

($45-65)— Complete system for consistent watering through Oklahoma heat

Dripworks Garden Row Crop Kit 4x25

https://www.dripworks.com/garden-row-crop-kit-4-x-25

Professional-grade drip irrigation system specifically designed for vegetable gardens up to 100 square feet. Includes pressure-compensating drippers that deliver consistent flow rates despite Oklahoma's variable water pressure. System maintains steady soil moisture essential for preventing blossom end rot in San Marzano and Cherokee Purple varieties. Reduces water usage by 50% compared to sprinkler irrigation while preventing leaf diseases common in Oklahoma's humid conditions. Timer-compatible for automated watering during extreme heat periods.

Price: $45.99-$64.99

Burpee Tomato 6-Foot Heavy Duty Stakes

($18-25)— Oklahoma wind-resistant plant support system

Burpee Heavy Duty Steel Tomato Stakes 6 Feet (Set of 6)

https://www.burpee.com/vegetables/tomatoes/tomato-stakes-heavy-duty-steel-6-feet-prod003045.html

Heavy-gauge steel stakes designed for Oklahoma's challenging wind conditions and clay soil. Sharp points penetrate hard clay easily when driven 18 inches deep. Green powder coating resists rust in humid Oklahoma summers. Length supports indeterminate varieties like Cherokee Purple and Brandywine through full growing season. Significantly stronger than standard bamboo stakes that snap in 30 mph Oklahoma winds. Essential for preventing wind damage and maintaining proper plant structure.

Price: $18.99-$24.99

Johnny's Selected Seeds Cherokee Purple Tomato

($4-6)— Premium heirloom perfectly adapted to Oklahoma conditions

Cherokee Purple Tomato Seed - Johnny's Selected Seeds

https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/tomatoes/slicing-tomatoes/cherokee-purple-tomato-seed-2023G.html

Open-pollinated heirloom variety originally from Tennessee, making it naturally adapted to Oklahoma's similar climate conditions. Exceptional heat tolerance compared to other large-fruited varieties, continuing to set fruit when others shut down in July heat. Complex, smoky flavor profile with deep purple-brown coloration from unique genetic traits. Plants show superior field tolerance to humidity and drought stress. Reliable producer in Zone 7a conditions with proper support and consistent moisture. Save seeds for next year's planting.

Price: $4.25-$5.95

Easy Shade 30% Shade Cloth

($25-35)— Heat protection for Oklahoma summer growing

Easy Shade 30% UV Block Shade Cloth 10x10 feet

https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Shade-Block-Cloth-10x10/dp/B07B8QZXJ3

Professional-grade knitted shade cloth reduces solar radiation by 30% while maintaining air circulation essential for Oklahoma growing conditions. Reduces canopy temperature by 8-12°F during extreme heat events above 100°F. Prevents sunscald on large-fruited varieties like Brandywine while allowing sufficient light for photosynthesis. UV-stabilized polypropylene construction withstands Oklahoma's intense summer sun and strong winds. Includes reinforced edges and grommets for secure installation over tomato beds or individual plant supports.

Price: $24.99-$34.99

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.

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Tagged with

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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."