FrostCal

When to Plant Tomatoes in Idaho

In a typical Idaho location, start seeds indoors Mar 5 – Mar 19, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 13 in Lewiston and as late as May 24 in Eagle. 2 cities in Idaho 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
BoiseFeb 27 – Mar 13May 1 – May 8
MeridianFeb 27 – Mar 13May 1 – May 8
NampaMar 4 – Mar 18May 6 – May 13
Idaho FallsMar 14 – Mar 28May 16 – May 23
PocatelloMar 7 – Mar 21May 9 – May 16
CaldwellFeb 26 – Mar 12Apr 30 – May 7
Coeur d'AleneFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 29 – May 6
Twin FallsMar 5 – Mar 19May 7 – May 14
LewistonFeb 9 – Feb 23Apr 13 – Apr 20
Lewiston OrchardsFeb 9 – Feb 23Apr 13 – Apr 20
Post FallsFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 29 – May 6
RexburgMar 20 – Apr 3May 22 – May 29
MoscowFrost-free: year-round planting
EagleMar 22 – Apr 5May 24 – May 31
CondaFrost-free: year-round planting
KunaFeb 27 – Mar 13May 1 – May 8
AmmonMar 14 – Mar 28May 16 – May 23
ChubbuckMar 7 – Mar 21May 9 – May 16
HaydenFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 29 – May 6
Mountain HomeMar 7 – Mar 21May 9 – May 16
BlackfootMar 10 – Mar 24May 12 – May 19
Garden CityFeb 27 – Mar 13May 1 – May 8
JeromeMar 7 – Mar 21May 9 – May 16
BurleyMar 12 – Mar 26May 14 – May 21

Showing the 24 most populous of 24 Idaho cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Idaho cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant tomatoes in Idaho?

In a typical Idaho location, start seeds indoors Mar 5 – Mar 19, then transplant outdoors May 7 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 13 in Lewiston and as late as May 24 in Eagle. 2 cities in Idaho are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in Idaho?

The average last spring frost in Idaho ranges from April 6 in Lewiston to May 17 in Eagle, 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 Idaho

When to plant tomatoes in other states

Related Guides