Planting Guides

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

Raleigh, North Carolina

USDA Zone 7b

Last Frost: Apr 5

Last updated: December 8, 2025

Learn when to plant tomatoes in Raleigh with specific dates for Zone 7b. Compare 6 varieties & discover which grow best in North Carolina climate.

RRachel Abrams

December 8, 2025

Gardener transplanting tomato seedlings in Raleigh North Carolina Zone 7b spring garden — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Start tomato seeds indoors March 1-8, transplant outdoors April 11-18 after last frost. 'Cherokee Purple' and 'Early Girl' perform best in Raleigh's Zone 7b climate.

TL;DR

Plant tomato seeds indoors March 1-8 in Raleigh, then transplant outdoors April 11-18 after last frost risk passes April 4. 'Early Girl' and 'Cherokee Purple' perform best in North Carolina's Zone 7b climate with 214-day growing season. Start fall crops July 15 for October harvest before November 4 first frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the last safe date to plant tomatoes in Raleigh?

For spring planting, transplant by May 15 to ensure plants establish before summer heat stress. For fall crops, the last safe planting date is July 25 for early varieties like Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl', or July 15 for longer-season varieties to mature before November 4 first frost.

Can I grow tomatoes year-round in Raleigh's Zone 7b climate?

No, Raleigh experiences hard freezes that kill tomato plants. However, you can extend the season from March through November using season extension techniques like cold frames, row covers, or high tunnels. Indoor growing under lights allows year-round production but requires significant energy investment.

What's the best way to prevent Early Blight in Raleigh's humid climate?

Start prevention in May before symptoms appear. Apply 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) of organic mulch to prevent soil splash, remove lower branches for air circulation, and begin preventive copper fungicide applications. 'Cherokee Purple' shows better natural tolerance to humidity-related fungal issues than other heirlooms.

How do I know when soil is ready for transplanting tomatoes in Raleigh?

Wait until soil temperature reaches 60°F (16°C) at 4-inch (10 cm) depth, typically by April 11. Cold soil below 55°F (13°C) prevents proper root development and causes purple-tinged leaves. Use a soil thermometer rather than guessing based on air temperature.

Which tomato varieties handle North Carolina heat and humidity best?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' originated in Tennessee's similar climate and shows excellent humidity tolerance. Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl'} finishes harvest before peak summer stress. Solanum lycopersicum 'Sungold'} has TMV resistance crucial in humid climates where virus-carrying insects remain active longer.

Should I plant a fall tomato crop in Raleigh?

Absolutely. Fall crops often produce higher-quality fruit with fewer disease problems. Start seeds indoors July 15 for transplanting in mid-August. Fall weather's lower humidity and moderate temperatures create ideal growing conditions, often extending harvest into late November with frost protection.

How do I prevent Blossom End Rot in North Carolina's clay soil?

Maintain consistent soil moisture through mulching and regular watering rather than adding more calcium to soil. Clay soil's wet-dry cycle disrupts calcium uptake to developing fruit. Solanum lycopersicum 'San Marzano'} is particularly susceptible and requires drip irrigation for consistent moisture levels.

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Written By

Rachel Abrams

Rachel is a garden writer and photographer based in Raleigh who covers the Piedmont region of North Carolina. She has a journalism background and got into gardening after buying her first house and realizing she had no idea what any of the plants in her yard were. That curiosity led to a Master Gardener certification and eventually a garden writing career. Rachel is especially interested in native plants of the Southeast, seasonal color, and the challenge of gardening in red clay soil. Her photography background means she pays attention to how gardens look through the seasons—she thinks about visual composition as much as plant health. She writes clearly and directly, without the breathless enthusiasm that makes a lot of garden writing hard to trust.