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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.
PPlantRef Editorial Team
December 8, 2025
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Gardener transplanting tomato seedlings in Raleigh North Carolina Zone 7b spring garden
— Image © PlantReference.org 2025
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.
Product Recommendations

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter

($10-15)— Essential for managing clay soil moisture

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter T10 Soil Test Kit

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

Long 10-inch probe reaches deep into North Carolina clay soil to measure moisture levels where tomato roots actually grow. No batteries required for instant readings. Essential for preventing overwatering in clay soil that stays wet below surface while appearing dry on top. Durable metal construction withstands repeated use in hard clay. Helps prevent Blossom End Rot by maintaining consistent moisture levels critical for calcium uptake in developing fruit.

Price: $10.99-$14.99

Espoma Organic Potting Mix

($12-18)— Ideal for seed starting indoors

Espoma AP16 16-Quart Organic Potting Mix

https://www.amazon.com/Espoma-AP16-16-Quart-Organic-Potting/dp/B002Y0A97K

Premium organic blend perfect for starting tomato seeds indoors during March in Raleigh. Contains aged bark, sphagnum peat moss, and perlite for optimal drainage and root development. Slow-release organic fertilizer eliminates need for additional feeding during seedling stage. Excellent moisture retention prevents damping-off disease common in humid North Carolina conditions. OMRI-listed organic ingredients support healthy seedling development without chemical buildup.

Price: $12.99-$17.99

Burpee Self-Watering Seed Starting Kit

($25-35)— Perfect for March seed starting

Burpee Self-Watering Seed Starting Kit 72-Cell

https://www.amazon.com/Burpee-Self-Watering-Seed-Starting-Kit/dp/B00B3HYXOU

Self-watering system maintains consistent moisture crucial for tomato seed germination without overwatering. 72-cell capacity handles multiple varieties for succession planting. Clear humidity dome creates ideal microclimate for germination during variable March weather in North Carolina. Self-watering reservoir prevents daily monitoring requirements. Sturdy construction allows multiple seasons of use. Perfect size for starting 6-8 tomato plants plus backup seedlings for Raleigh gardens.

Price: $24.99-$34.99

Southern Ag Liquid Copper Fungicide

($15-22)— Early Blight prevention

Southern Ag Liquid Copper Fungicide 16oz

https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Ag-Liquid-Copper-Fungicide/dp/B00CRKVP70

Copper-based organic fungicide specifically effective against Early Blight common in North Carolina's humid summers. Ready-to-use liquid formula requires no mixing. Safe for organic gardens and food crops with proper timing. Apply preventively starting in May before disease symptoms appear. Works by creating protective barrier on leaf surfaces that prevents fungal spore germination. Essential tool for growing heirloom varieties like Cherokee Purple that lack genetic disease resistance.

Price: $14.99-$21.99

DeWitt 4-Foot by 250-Foot Woven Landscape Fabric

($45-65)— Superior weed control

DeWitt 4-Foot by 250-Foot Woven Landscape Fabric

https://www.amazon.com/DeWitt-4-Foot-250-Foot-Landscape-Fabric/dp/B0026HDLTM

Professional-grade woven polypropylene fabric provides excellent weed suppression while allowing air and water penetration. Unlike plastic mulch, permits natural soil respiration critical for healthy root development in North Carolina clay soil. 4-foot width perfect for tomato row spacing. 250-foot length covers approximately 800 square feet (74 square meters). UV-stabilized construction withstands intense Southern sun without degradation. Install before transplanting to prevent competition from aggressive Southern weeds that thrive in humid climate.

Price: $44.99-$64.99

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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#when to plant tomatoes raleigh#raleigh tomato growing#zone 7b tomatoes#north carolina tomato varieties#cherokee purple raleigh#early girl tomatoes#raleigh gardening#tomato planting dates#north carolina vegetables
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