California · zones 7a–10b
When to plant cherry tomatoes in California.
Sow or transplant between Jan 21 to Mar 23 in a typical year, keyed to California's median last frost around Jan 14. Dates below are state medians; your ZIP code shifts them by days to weeks.
The 2026 windows
Cherry Tomatoes dates for a typical California season.
1 · Start indoors
Dec 10 to Feb 9
About 6 weeks before set-out. Warm spot, real light.
2 · Set out
Jan 21 to Mar 23
Keyed to the ~Jan 14 last frost. Sow 0.25" deep, 24" apart.
Harvest
~57 days later
~8 lb per plant over ~10 weeks.
California spans more than one climate: Zone 10 is the most common zone, but the state runs 7a to 10b. That's why the planner works from your ZIP code's frost dates, not your zone: mountain and coastal gardens in the same state can be three weeks apart.
In California: watch for
The pests that find cherry tomatoes here.
With about 334 frost-free days, tomato, cherry spends longer in the ground here than in most of the country, which widens the window in which tomato hornworm can find it. Scout weekly from midseason and act on the first signs.
Big green caterpillars strip leaves and leave black droppings.
Organic fix: Handpick at dusk; spray Bt on the young ones.
Clusters on new growth, sticky leaves, curling tips.
Organic fix: Blast with water, then insecticidal soap or neem.
Dark spots with concentric rings, starting on the lowest, oldest leaves.
Organic fix: Remove affected leaves, mulch to stop soil splash, space for airflow.
Greasy, water-soaked blotches in cool, wet spells. No rings, and not bottom-up.
Organic fix: Pull infected plants fast, keep leaves dry, use neem as a preventive.
Septoria leaf spot
Many small tan spots with dark brown edges, low leaves first, no rings inside.
Organic fix: Strip the lowest leaves, mulch against soil splash, stake for airflow.
Your season math: California gives cherry tomatoes about 334 frost-free days, and it needs roughly 57 days to a first harvest. It's a one-planting crop, so time that single sowing well.
Planting cherry tomatoes in California: questions
When should I plant cherry tomatoes in California?+
In a typical California year, sow cherry tomatoes or set out transplants between Jan 21 to Mar 23, keyed to the state's median last frost around Jan 14. Your exact dates shift with your ZIP code and microclimate.
When do I start cherry tomatoes seeds indoors in California?+
Start seeds inside about 6 weeks before set-out: roughly Dec 10 to Feb 9 for a typical California season.
What USDA zone is California?+
California spans zones 7a–10b, mostly zone 10. But frost dates, not zones, set planting time. The free planner uses your ZIP code's actual frost dates.
How many cherry tomatoes plants do I need?+
Depends who you're feeding. The crop page has exact counts per household size, or the free planner does the math for your family in about 60 seconds.