Is September Too Late to Plant Tomato Plants in CA?

Many people in California wonder if it is too late to plant tomato plants in September. The answer to this question ultimately depends on several factors, including the climate, the type of tomato plants, and the gardener's level of experience.

Climate Conditions

California's climate can vary depending on the region. While Southern California generally experiences warm weather throughout the year, Central and Northern California tend to have cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings. It is important to consider the climate when deciding whether to plant tomatoes in September.

If you live in Southern California, you may still have enough time to plant tomatoes as the weather stays warm well into October. However, if you are in Central or Northern California, September can be a bit too late to plant tomatoes as the season starts to wind down, and the nights start to get colder.

The Type of Tomato Plants

The type of tomato plant you choose can make a difference in its ability to thrive in California's climate. Some varieties of tomatoes are better suited for the warm temperatures of Southern California or the cooler temperatures of Central and Northern California.

For instance, heat-tolerant varieties such as Celebrity, Roma, or Sweet 100 would do well in Southern California, while cold-tolerant varieties, such as Brandywine, Green Zebra, or Siberian, can grow well in cooler temperatures found in the northern regions of the state.

Gardening Experience

Whether or not planting tomato plants in September will be successful also depends on the gardener's level of experience. A skilled gardener may be able to make the most of the last few weeks of the season and get fantastic results from their late-planted tomatoes. However, inexperienced gardeners may find it challenging to grow healthy tomato plants during this time of year.

It's important to note that even experienced gardeners may struggle to grow full-size tomatoes planted in September as it generally takes around 60-90 days for a tomato plant to produce ripe fruit. Since the daylight hours will be decreasing as September rolls in, this can affect the tomato plant's ability to mature fully.

Conclusion

So, is September too late to plant tomato plants in CA? The answer is that it depends on several factors, including the climate, the type of tomato plants, and the gardener's level of experience. If you live in Southern California and choose heat-tolerant varieties and have sufficient gardening experience, you could still enjoy a bountiful harvest by planting tomatoes in September. On the other hand, if you live in Central or Northern California, planting tomatoes in September may prove challenging as the weather, and the shortening daylight hours can hinder tomato plants' growth, especially if you have little gardening experience.