Best Tomatoes to Grow in California
California spans USDA Zones 5–11, typically Zone 9. We've broken out 91 tomato varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
91
for California
USDA
Zones 5–11
155–365 days season
Beginner
41
easy to grow
Heirloom
46
heritage varieties
California in USDA Zones 5–11
California spans Zones 5–11. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Tomatoes in California
Zone 9 gardeners hit the tomato jackpot with nearly 290 frost-free days stretching from mid-February through December. This extended season means you can grow both quick-maturing varieties for early harvests and slow-ripening heirlooms that need extra time to develop their complex flavors. However, the intense summer heat that often peaks above 90°F for weeks can stress plants and reduce fruit set during July and August, making heat tolerance a crucial trait to consider.
The key to tomato success in Zone 9 is selecting varieties that can handle temperature swings and capitalize on your long growing season. Look for cultivars with good heat tolerance, disease resistance (especially to fungal issues that thrive in humid conditions), and varied maturity dates. The best Zone 9 tomato gardens feature a mix of determinate varieties for concentrated harvests, indeterminates for continuous production, and heat-tolerant cherry types that keep producing even when larger fruited varieties slow down during summer's peak.
Zone 9 Tomatoes for California★ Most of CA
90 varieties · Last frost February 15 · 290-day season
Zone 8 Tomatoes for California
90 varieties · Last frost March 15 · 240-day season
Zone 10 Tomatoes for California
91 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 7 Tomatoes for California
90 varieties · Last frost April 1 · 210-day season
Zone 11 Tomatoes for California
91 varieties · Year-round growing
Zone 6 Tomatoes for California
90 varieties · Last frost April 15 · 180-day season
Zone 5 Tomatoes for California
90 varieties · Last frost April 30 · 155-day season
Zone 9 Growing Tips for California
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date, typically around late December to early January for a mid-February transplant. You can also direct seed in late February if you're willing to risk a late cold snap, but transplants give you more control. Set transplants out after February 15th, but watch the weather—a unexpected cold front can still damage young plants. Use row covers or water walls if temperatures threaten to drop below 50°F after planting.
Take advantage of your extended season by planting in succession. Set out your main crop in February, then plant a second round in late March for summer production. Many Zone 9 gardeners also plant again in late July or early August for a fall crop that produces through November. During the brutal summer months, provide afternoon shade with shade cloth (30-50%) and maintain consistent moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking. Mulch heavily to keep soil temperatures down and consider installing drip irrigation to avoid water stress.