FrostCal

When to Plant Tomatoes in Arkansas

In a typical Arkansas location, start seeds indoors Jan 28 – Feb 11, then transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Apr 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 20 in Texarkana and as late as Apr 19 in Centerton.

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
Little RockJan 24 – Feb 7Mar 28 – Apr 4
Fort SmithJan 28 – Feb 11Apr 1 – Apr 8
FayettevilleFeb 7 – Feb 21Apr 11 – Apr 18
SpringdaleFeb 7 – Feb 21Apr 11 – Apr 18
JonesboroFeb 4 – Feb 18Apr 8 – Apr 15
North Little RockJan 24 – Feb 7Mar 28 – Apr 4
ConwayFeb 5 – Feb 19Apr 9 – Apr 16
RogersFeb 15 – Mar 1Apr 19 – Apr 26
Pine BluffJan 17 – Jan 31Mar 21 – Mar 28
BentonvilleFeb 15 – Mar 1Apr 19 – Apr 26
Hot SpringsJan 22 – Feb 5Mar 26 – Apr 2
BentonJan 27 – Feb 10Mar 31 – Apr 7
SherwoodJan 19 – Feb 2Mar 23 – Mar 30
TexarkanaJan 16 – Jan 30Mar 20 – Mar 27
RussellvilleFeb 1 – Feb 15Apr 5 – Apr 12
JacksonvilleJan 19 – Feb 2Mar 23 – Mar 30
Bella VistaFeb 8 – Feb 22Apr 12 – Apr 19
ParagouldJan 29 – Feb 12Apr 2 – Apr 9
CabotFeb 7 – Feb 21Apr 11 – Apr 18
West MemphisJan 22 – Feb 5Mar 26 – Apr 2
SearcyJan 30 – Feb 13Apr 3 – Apr 10
Van BurenJan 28 – Feb 11Apr 1 – Apr 8
BryantJan 27 – Feb 10Mar 31 – Apr 7
El DoradoJan 27 – Feb 10Mar 31 – Apr 7
MaumelleFeb 4 – Feb 18Apr 8 – Apr 15
Siloam SpringsFeb 3 – Feb 17Apr 7 – Apr 14
BlythevilleJan 21 – Feb 4Mar 25 – Apr 1
Forrest CityJan 26 – Feb 9Mar 30 – Apr 6
HarrisonJan 25 – Feb 8Mar 29 – Apr 5
Hot Springs VillageJan 22 – Feb 5Mar 26 – Apr 2

Showing the 30 most populous of 43 Arkansas cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Arkansas cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant tomatoes in Arkansas?

In a typical Arkansas location, start seeds indoors Jan 28 – Feb 11, then transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Apr 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 20 in Texarkana and as late as Apr 19 in Centerton.

When is the last frost in Arkansas?

The average last spring frost in Arkansas ranges from March 13 in Texarkana to April 12 in Centerton, 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 Arkansas

When to plant tomatoes in other states

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