When to Plant Tomatoes in South Carolina
In a typical South Carolina location, start seeds indoors Jan 25 – Feb 8, then transplant outdoors Mar 29 – Apr 5. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 11 in Charleston and as late as Apr 27 in Gaffney.
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
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Charleston | Dec 10 – Dec 24 | Feb 11 – Feb 18 |
| North Charleston | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Mount Pleasant | Jan 16 – Jan 30 | Mar 20 – Mar 27 |
| Rock Hill | Jan 30 – Feb 13 | Apr 3 – Apr 10 |
| Greenville | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Summerville | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 29 – Apr 5 |
| Sumter | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 31 – Apr 7 |
| Goose Creek | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Hilton Head Island | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 10 – Mar 17 |
| Florence | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Spartanburg | Feb 11 – Feb 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 22 |
| Hilton Head | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 10 – Mar 17 |
| Myrtle Beach | Jan 24 – Feb 7 | Mar 28 – Apr 4 |
| Aiken | Jan 22 – Feb 5 | Mar 26 – Apr 2 |
| Greer | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Anderson | Jan 26 – Feb 9 | Mar 30 – Apr 6 |
| Mauldin | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Greenwood | Jan 29 – Feb 12 | Apr 2 – Apr 9 |
| North Augusta | Jan 2 – Jan 16 | Mar 6 – Mar 13 |
| Taylors | Jan 31 – Feb 14 | Apr 4 – Apr 11 |
| Saint Andrews | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Conway | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Easley | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Apr 8 – Apr 15 |
| Simpsonville | Feb 1 – Feb 15 | Apr 5 – Apr 12 |
| Wade Hampton | Jan 19 – Feb 2 | Mar 23 – Mar 30 |
| Lexington | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Apr 1 – Apr 8 |
| Socastee | Jan 18 – Feb 1 | Mar 22 – Mar 29 |
| Hanahan | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Mar 14 – Mar 21 |
| Bluffton | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Mar 10 – Mar 17 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 58 South Carolina cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Carolina cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant tomatoes in South Carolina?
In a typical South Carolina location, start seeds indoors Jan 25 – Feb 8, then transplant outdoors Mar 29 – Apr 5. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 11 in Charleston and as late as Apr 27 in Gaffney.
When is the last frost in South Carolina?
The average last spring frost in South Carolina ranges from February 4 in Charleston to April 20 in Gaffney, 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 South Carolina
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant tomatoes in other states