Planting Guides
When to Plant Tomatoes in Richmond: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 7b
Richmond, Virginia
USDA Zone 7b
Last Frost: Apr 15
Last updated: October 30, 2025
Learn when to plant tomatoes in Richmond with specific dates for Zone 7b. Compare 6 varieties & discover which grow best in Virginia.
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Quick Answer
Start tomato seeds March 15-22 in Richmond for May 5-12 transplanting. 'Cherokee Purple' and 'Early Girl' thrive in Virginia's humid conditions.
TL;DR
Richmond's Zone 7b climate allows tomato seed starting March 15-22 and transplanting May 5-12 after the April 14 last frost date. 'Early Girl' and 'Cherokee Purple' perform best in Virginia's humid subtropical conditions, while 'Brandywine' requires disease management due to high humidity and pathogen pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly should I start tomato seeds indoors in Richmond?
Start seeds March 15-22 for Richmond's optimal timing. This provides 6-7 weeks of indoor growth before the May 5-12 transplanting window. Earlier seeding creates leggy plants, while later seeding doesn't allow sufficient establishment time before summer heat stress. Use bottom heat mats to maintain 75-85°F soil temperature for reliable germination in Richmond's cool March weather.
Can I plant tomatoes earlier than May in Richmond if I use protection?
Yes, risk-tolerant gardeners can transplant April 28-May 5 using protection methods like Wall-o-Water, row covers, or cold frames. However, Richmond's unpredictable spring weather can still damage plants with sudden temperature drops. The traditional May 5-12 window provides better success rates for most gardeners, especially with clay soils that warm slowly.
Which tomato varieties handle Richmond's humidity and clay soil best?
Solanum lycopersicum 'Cherokee Purple' and Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' show superior performance in Richmond's conditions. 'Cherokee Purple' originated in similar humid southeastern climates and demonstrates natural disease tolerance. 'Early Girl' carries VFF resistance genes that handle soil-borne pathogens common in clay soils. Both varieties manage Richmond's humidity better than most large-fruited heirlooms.
How do I prevent early blight in Richmond's humid summers?
Early blight prevention requires multiple strategies in Richmond: Remove all lower leaves touching soil or mulch, space plants wider (30-36 inches) for air circulation, apply preventive copper fungicides every 14 days starting in June, and water at soil level only. Richmond's clay soils with heavy mulch create perfect conditions for this fungal pathogen, making prevention far more effective than treatment.
When can I plant a fall tomato crop in Richmond?
Start fall tomato seeds June 20-30 for August 10-20 transplanting in Richmond. This timing allows plants to establish before extreme summer heat while providing adequate growing time before the October 24 first frost. Fall crops often outperform spring plantings due to reduced disease pressure and Richmond's mild autumn temperatures.
Do I need to amend Richmond's clay soil for tomatoes?
Richmond's clay soil requires amendments for optimal tomato production. Add 2-3 inches of coarse compost and perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Build raised beds 8-12 inches tall to prevent waterlogging. Richmond clay holds nutrients well but can become anaerobic when oversaturated, favoring root rot and bacterial wilt. Good drainage is more critical than fertility in clay soils.
How often should I water tomatoes in Richmond's clay soil?
Water deeply twice weekly rather than daily in Richmond's clay soil. Clay retains moisture at root level while appearing dry on the surface. Inconsistent watering in clay soils causes blossom end rot, especially in varieties like Solanum lycopersicum 'San Marzano'. Drip irrigation with heavy mulching provides the most consistent moisture levels that clay soils require.
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Written By
D
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."
