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The best time to plant tomatoes in North Carolina is two weeks after the last frost.

If you live in NV and want to grow tomatoes in your garden in the upcoming season, knowing when to plant them is essential.

If planted too late, you will have a shorter growing season and a lower harvest. If planted too early, they will freeze and wilt.

When to Plant Tomatoes in North Carolina (NC)

The best time to plant tomatoes in NC is between April 15 – July 20. Tomatoes cannot tolerate temperatures below the 50°F (10°C) point. Seeds should be started indoors at least 6 weeks before the last frost date. If the Tomato seedlings are ready, transplant them outdoors only when two weeks have elapsed after the last frost date in your area. 

The Ideal Temperatures for Tomatoes to Thrive

Tomatoes will grow best when the temperatures are in a mild-warm range. They grow best when the temperatures are between 70-80°F (21-27°C) during the day. 

Tomatoes prefer nighttime temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C), while the soil should remain at a steady temperature range of 60-70°F (15-21°C) too. 

Temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) will not kill Tomatoes. Still, there is no growth, and exposure to lower temperatures may seriously stunt the plant’s growth throughout the growing season. 

The best time to plant tomatoes in NC depends primarily on the last frost date and the variety of tomatoes you’re growing. 

According to NC University, suitable Tomato varieties that work well in the hot North Carolina summer are ‘Better Boy,’ ‘Big Beef,’ or ‘Grape Tomatoes’ in NC.

Last Frost Dates in North Carolina 

The middling USDA Hardiness Zone North Carolina belongs to is zone 8a. The average last frost date in NC is April 10th. However, the date varies between different cities and may also drastically vary due to climatic change in subsequent years.

The first frost date should also be considered, as it shows how long you can grow and harvest tomatoes in your area. The average first frost date is October 30th. 

Here are the average last and first frost dates for major NC cities. 

1. Charlotte Last Frost Date – April 11th / First Frost Date – October 28th
2. Raleigh Last Frost Date – April 8th / First Frost Date – October 29th
3. Greensboro Last Frost Date – April 10th / First Frost Date – October 31st
4. Durham Last Frost Date –  April 10th / First Frost Date – October 29th
5. Winston-Salem Last Frost Date – April 7th / First Frost Date – November 3rd

When to Start Tomato Seeds in North Carolina

It is always recommended to start seeds indoors before the last frost date to get the most out of your tomatoes. 

Sowing the seeds after the last frost date is impractical as the plants will not be able to supply enough yield before the onset of the next winter.

Depending on the variety of Tomatoes you choose to harvest, you should germinate Tomato seeds at least 40-60 days before the last frost date in your area. 

So, for instance, if you want to grow Tomatoes in Charlotte or near it, you should have sowed your seeds for germination in an indoor, protected environment no later than February 20th. 

Planting Tomatoes Outdoors

If you’ve had young tomato plants growing indoors in a protected environment for 40-60 days, and the last frost date has just passed, don’t push them outdoors immediately.

No need to take the risk. Due to the volatile weather changes happening worldwide, you might expect yet another freeze after the last frost date has passed. 

Wait for around two weeks after the last frost date in your area to finally take the Tomatoes outdoors. Still, you should see the weather forecast and use other indicators for when to plant Tomatoes outdoors to be on the safe side. 

Before the final transplant, you should take the time to start hardening off the Tomato seedlings and prepare them for life outdoors.

To do that, take the seedling trays outdoors and let the Tomatoes soak in the sun for a few hours daily. This will help acclimatize them to the outdoor garden conditions. 

Generally, April 25th is the best time on average to plant tomatoes outdoors. 

What if I Transplant Tomatoes Too Early? 

It’s not rare for a new Tomato grower to plant their Tomatoes outdoors too early in the season. 

Moreover, the last frost dates can sometimes come much later in North Carolina, making Tomato growers rush to protect their Tomatoes if an unexpected freeze is encountered. 

If you think there’s a danger of frost and you’ve already planted your Tomatoes outdoors in NC, the best chance you’ve got now is to cover the young Toms with burlap or any other material used for winter protection. 

If, unfortunately, your tomatoes remain unprotected through the night and there’s frost, you can save them if you get up before the sun and thaw them out with warm water. 

The plant is a goner if the frozen foliage is exposed to the sun. The rapid heating effect on the frozen leaves will burn the foliage and make the young plants devoid of foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it too late to plant Tomatoes in NC?

Summers in North Carolinas are hot and humid. Planting your tomato plants too late will make it difficult for them to get established in the hot weather. Moreover, planting Tomatoes late results in smaller fruits and a lesser yield. 

How long does it take to grow Tomatoes in NC?

Although, the primary determining factor for how long Tomatoes take to grow is the variety you’re growing. But the range of climates in North Carolina can also have an impact. For instance, if Tomatoes take 70-80 days in Raleigh, they may take 10-20 days longer in Asheville.

When is the best time to plant tomatoes in North Carolina?

The best time to plant tomatoes in NC is around April 15th. This is generally two weeks after the last frost date.

Takeaways

Plant tomatoes between April 15 – July 20 in North Carolina. This is the best time to plant tomatoes.