Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Tomatoes in Pennsylvania

America's favorite garden vegetable (technically a fruit). Nothing beats a sun-warmed tomato straight off the vine.

The Short Answer

Pennsylvania tomato growing follows the eastern corridor pattern — variable springs, humid summers, and a meaningful difference between the Philadelphia suburbs and the Poconos mountains. The southeastern corner around Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley enjoys Zone 7a conditions with last frosts in mid-April, while the northern tier and mountain regions sit in Zone 5b with last frosts extending into mid-May. Most of the state's population falls somewhere in between, with Zone 6a-6b conditions that provide a solid 160-180 day growing season.

Pennsylvania Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Pennsylvania you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Pennsylvania 5a, 5b, 6a May 5 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 5
Central Pennsylvania 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Philadelphia Region 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 5

Tomatoes Planting Schedule for Pennsylvania

Northern Pennsylvania (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 5 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 5

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Central Pennsylvania (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Philadelphia Region (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 5

Start Seeds Indoors
6 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Tomatoes in Pennsylvania

State-Specific Growing Tips

In the Philadelphia region (Zone 7a), transplant tomatoes from late April through early May. Central Pennsylvania (Zone 6a-6b) should target early to mid-May. Northern Pennsylvania and the Poconos (Zone 5a-5b) should wait until late May or even early June for reliable safety. Pennsylvania's diverse soils include shale-based soils in the mountains, limestone-derived soils in the valleys, and clay loams in the southeast. A soil test through Penn State Extension ($9 and invaluable) will tell you exactly what amendments you need. Most Pennsylvania soils are slightly acidic to neutral — generally fine for tomatoes without significant pH adjustment.

Recommended Varieties for Pennsylvania

Penn State Extension recommends Jet Star, Celebrity, and Big Beef for general growing. For the shorter-season northern counties, choose sub-70-day varieties. Pennsylvania gardeners have excellent access to heirloom varieties through Lancaster County's robust farming community — try Brandywine (originally from the Brandywine Valley in Chester County) for a true local heirloom. Rutgers, developed at Rutgers University just across the state line, is another regionally significant variety.

Common Challenges in Pennsylvania

Late blight is the headline disease risk in Pennsylvania — the state's proximity to major commercial growing regions means the disease spreads easily. The humid Delaware Valley summers create ideal conditions for virtually every tomato fungal disease. Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) doesn't directly attack tomatoes but is a significant general garden pest in southeastern Pennsylvania that weakens surrounding trees and can create sooty mold issues. Groundhog damage is legendary in rural Pennsylvania — hardware cloth cages or serious fencing may be necessary.

Growing Tips

Pinch off suckers for indeterminate varieties. Stake or cage for best results. Water at the base, not overhead, to prevent blight.

Companion Planting

Plant tomatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Basil Carrots Peppers Marigolds

Keep tomatoes away from:

Brassicas Fennel Dill

The Bottom Line

Tomatoes can be grown successfully in Pennsylvania with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Pennsylvania gardeners work with a last frost around May 5 - May 20, while Philadelphia Region sees frost end around Apr 5 - Apr 20. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Tomatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Pennsylvania Planting Calendar All plants for Pennsylvania Tomatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Tomatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Tomatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Tomatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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