When should I plant tomatoes in ZIP 70112?

In ZIP 70112, the main tomatoes target is around Feb 17, based on the representative New Orleans frost station and USDA zone 9b.

When should I start tomatoes seeds indoors in 70112?

Start tomatoes seeds indoors in ZIP 70112 around Dec 30, about 42 days before the Feb 10 last-frost estimate.

Is this a guaranteed planting date?

No. GrowZone uses frost-date estimates, hardiness zones, and crop timing rules for planning. Local microclimates and current weather can shift the right date.

ZIP 70112 planting calendar

When to plant tomatoes in New Orleans, LA - Zone 9b

Q: When is the first frost in New Orleans?

New Orleans (ZIP 70112) has an average first fall frost around Dec 10, leaving about 303 frost-free days.

In ZIP 70112, plant tomatoes around Feb 17; this uses the New Orleans frost station, USDA zone 9b, and tomatoes timing rules.

Your New Orleans calendar has a 303-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative New Orleans frost station, USDA zone 9b, and tomatoes timing rules.

Source: new-orleans-lakefront frost station, USDA zone 9b, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 9b New Orleans frost station LSU AgCenter Updated 2026-06-28

Read the method

Answer first

When to start tomatoes seeds indoors in New Orleans

In ZIP 70112, start tomatoes seeds indoors around Dec 30, about 42 days before the Feb 10 last-frost estimate.

Start tomatoes seeds indoors in New Orleans around Dec 30, about 42 days before the Feb 10 last-frost estimate.

Seed starting schedule

Tomatoes dates for New Orleans, LA

Step	Date	How to use it
Start Indoors	December 30, 2025	Start seeds under lights or in a bright indoor seed-starting space.
Transplant Outdoors	February 17, 2026	Move hardened-off seedlings outside after the frost-risk window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in New Orleans?

New Orleans (ZIP 70112) has an average last spring frost around Feb 10.

First frost

When is the first frost in New Orleans?

The average first fall frost is around Dec 10, giving about 303 frost-free days.

Season map

Tomatoes windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Start indoors

Dec 30

Transplant

Feb 17

Harvest

May 6

Frost watch

Sep 23

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Start tomatoes indoorsDec 30

Last frost windowFeb 10

Transplant tomatoesFeb 17

First tomatoes harvest windowMay 6

Last tomatoes sowing targetSep 23

Signal	Value	Why it matters
Last frost estimate	February 10, 2026	Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimate	December 10, 2026	Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length	303 days	Longer seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing	18-24 in	Airflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature	60 F+	Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

New Orleans frost history and USDA zone 9b shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

LSU AgCenter is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Tomatoes timing notes

Harden seedlings off for a week before transplanting. Tomatoes prefers full sun, 18-24 in spacing, and soil near 60 F+.

For fall, count backward from Dec 10. A conservative last sowing target is around Sep 23.