FrostCal

When to Plant Tomatoes in Washington

In a typical Washington location, start seeds indoors Jan 27 – Feb 10, then transplant outdoors Mar 31 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 8 in Port Townsend and as late as Jun 6 in Cheney.

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
SeattleJan 16 – Jan 30Mar 20 – Mar 27
Tri-CitiesMar 2 – Mar 16May 4 – May 11
SpokaneMar 1 – Mar 15May 3 – May 10
TacomaJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 15 – Mar 22
VancouverFeb 1 – Feb 15Apr 5 – Apr 12
BellevueJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 15 – Mar 22
KentJan 23 – Feb 6Mar 27 – Apr 3
EverettJan 27 – Feb 10Mar 31 – Apr 7
RentonJan 16 – Jan 30Mar 20 – Mar 27
Federal WayJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 15 – Mar 22
Spokane ValleyMar 1 – Mar 15May 3 – May 10
YakimaMar 13 – Mar 27May 15 – May 22
KirklandJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 15 – Mar 22
BellinghamFeb 4 – Feb 18Apr 8 – Apr 15
KennewickJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 4 – Apr 11
AuburnJan 23 – Feb 6Mar 27 – Apr 3
PascoJan 31 – Feb 14Apr 4 – Apr 11
MarysvilleJan 27 – Feb 10Mar 31 – Apr 7
RedmondJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 15 – Mar 22
LakewoodJan 14 – Jan 28Mar 18 – Mar 25
OlympiaMar 4 – Mar 18May 6 – May 13
ShorelineJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 15 – Mar 22
RichlandFeb 9 – Feb 23Apr 13 – Apr 20
South HillFeb 14 – Feb 28Apr 18 – Apr 25
SammamishJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 15 – Mar 22
BurienJan 5 – Jan 19Mar 9 – Mar 16
LaceyMar 4 – Mar 18May 6 – May 13
City of SammamishFeb 2 – Feb 16Apr 6 – Apr 13
BothellJan 11 – Jan 25Mar 15 – Mar 22
EdmondsJan 12 – Jan 26Mar 16 – Mar 23

Showing the 30 most populous of 133 Washington cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Washington cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant tomatoes in Washington?

In a typical Washington location, start seeds indoors Jan 27 – Feb 10, then transplant outdoors Mar 31 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 8 in Port Townsend and as late as Jun 6 in Cheney.

When is the last frost in Washington?

The average last spring frost in Washington ranges from March 1 in Port Townsend to May 30 in Cheney, 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 Washington

When to plant tomatoes in other states

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