When to Plant Tomatoes in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the time to transplant tomatoes outside runs from Apr 12 – Apr 26 in Bridgeport to May 15 – May 29 in Torrington. In Bridgeport, it's Apr 12 – Apr 26. The average last spring frost differs by about 5 weeks across the state (Apr 5 in Bridgeport, May 8 in Torrington), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Tomatoes are killed by frost and sulk in cold soil. Wait until nights stay above 50°F, usually one to three weeks after the average last frost.
- Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
- Transplant outside: 1–3 weeks after the last frost.
Tomatoes planting dates in Connecticut by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ansonia | 6b | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Bridgeport | 7a | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Bristol | 6b | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Danbury | 6b | Mar 6 – Mar 20 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Derby | 6b | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Groton | 7a | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Hartford | 6b | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Meriden | 6b | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Middletown | 6b | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Milford city | 7a | Feb 8 – Feb 22 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Naugatuck | 6b | Feb 21 – Mar 7 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| New Britain | 6b | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| New Haven | 7a | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| New London | 7a | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Norwalk | 7a | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Norwich | 6b | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Shelton | 6b | Feb 28 – Mar 14 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Stamford | 7a | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Torrington | 6a | Mar 13 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Waterbury | 6b | Mar 1 – Mar 15 | May 3 – May 17 |
| West Haven | 7a | Feb 20 – Mar 6 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Connecticut, or the general guide to when to plant tomatoes.
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