Botanical illustration of tomato (paste/roma)

Field guide

When to plant tomato (paste/roma) in USDA Zones 9–10

In USDA Zones 9–10, the planner’s broad outdoor planting window for tomato (paste/roma) runs from March to April, with a second window from July to August. Tomato (Paste/Roma) takes 70–80 days from planting to first harvest.

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Planting calendar for USDA Zones 9–10

Spring planting
March to April
Fall planting
July to August
Days to harvest
70–80 days
Water needs
medium

What USDA Zones 9–10 do—and do not—tell you

These zones span average annual extreme minimum temperatures of roughly 20°F to 40°F. That is useful climate context, but it does not determine your exact frost dates. Check a local forecast or county Extension calendar before planting tender crops.

How to know when to harvest

  • Fruit is deep red, firm, and meaty
  • Fruit feels heavy and dense for its size
  • Most of the cluster ripens around the same time (determinate habit)

Want a plan that accounts for your crops, growing method, equipment, and plant conditions? Open the free planner for a daily crop checklist and adaptive harvest forecast.

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