FrostCal

When to Plant Tomatoes in Arizona

In a typical Arizona location, start seeds indoors Dec 19 – Jan 2, then transplant outdoors Feb 20 – Feb 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 11 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 11 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 60–85 days

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.

Tomatoes Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
PhoenixNov 10 – Nov 24Jan 12 – Jan 19
TucsonNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 27 – Feb 3
MesaDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 20 – Feb 27
ChandlerDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 20 – Feb 27
GilbertDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 20 – Feb 27
GlendaleNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 27 – Feb 3
ScottsdaleDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 20 – Feb 27
PeoriaNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 27 – Feb 3
TempeDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 20 – Feb 27
Tempe JunctionDec 19 – Jan 2Feb 20 – Feb 27
SurpriseNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 27 – Feb 3
YumaNov 13 – Nov 27Jan 15 – Jan 22
San Tan ValleyDec 7 – Dec 21Feb 8 – Feb 15
AvondaleNov 12 – Nov 26Jan 14 – Jan 21
GoodyearNov 12 – Nov 26Jan 14 – Jan 21
FlagstaffApr 9 – Apr 23Jun 11 – Jun 18
Casas AdobesJan 1 – Jan 15Mar 5 – Mar 12
Lake Havasu CityNov 10 – Nov 24Jan 12 – Jan 19
Casa GrandeDec 11 – Dec 25Feb 12 – Feb 19
BuckeyeNov 12 – Nov 26Jan 14 – Jan 21
Catalina FoothillsDec 26 – Jan 9Feb 27 – Mar 6
MaricopaDec 29 – Jan 12Mar 2 – Mar 9
Oro ValleyFeb 5 – Feb 19Apr 9 – Apr 16
Sierra VistaFeb 8 – Feb 22Apr 12 – Apr 19
Prescott ValleyFeb 23 – Mar 9Apr 27 – May 4
PrescottMar 5 – Mar 19May 7 – May 14
MaranaDec 29 – Jan 12Mar 2 – Mar 9
Bullhead CityNov 9 – Nov 23Jan 11 – Jan 18
Apache JunctionDec 17 – Dec 31Feb 18 – Feb 25
Sun CityNov 25 – Dec 9Jan 27 – Feb 3

Showing the 30 most populous of 72 Arizona cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Arizona cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant tomatoes in Arizona?

In a typical Arizona location, start seeds indoors Dec 19 – Jan 2, then transplant outdoors Feb 20 – Feb 27. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Jan 11 in Bullhead City and as late as Jun 11 in Flagstaff. 3 cities in Arizona are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Arizona?

The average last spring frost in Arizona ranges from January 4 in Bullhead City to June 4 in Flagstaff, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do tomatoes take to grow?

Tomatoes typically take 60–85 days from planting to harvest. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out 1-2 weeks after last frost once soil has warmed.

Other Crops in Arizona

When to plant tomatoes in other states

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