When to Plant Grape Tomato in Chicago, Illinois (60607)

Location

Chicago, Illinois

ZIP Code

60607

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Based on last frost Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · Zone 6b

Pro tip: Start Grape Tomato seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Solanum lycopersicum

Days to Maturity 65 days

Mature Height 36-60"

Spread 24"

Type Indeterminate

Fruit Size Mini (0.5 oz)

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

24" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Grape Tomato in Chicago?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BasilCarrotParsleyMarigold

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

BrassicasFennelCorn

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Grape Tomato

See which plants help Grape Tomato thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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Common Grape Tomato Varieties

Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.

Juliet

hybrid 60d

Prolific, crack-resistant grape tomato with sweet flavor and long shelf life.

Red Grape

hybrid 70d

Classic red grape tomato with firm texture and concentrated sweetness.

Valentine

hybrid 55d

Heart-shaped grape tomatoes with exceptional sweetness; highly ornamental.

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

⚠️ Many varieties are F1 hybrid — look for OP/heirloom types

When to Harvest Seed

Let fruit ripen fully before extracting seeds.

Processing

Ferment seeds 2–3 days in water, rinse thoroughly, dry flat for 1 week.

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Most grape tomatoes are F1 hybrids. Save seed only from open-pollinated varieties for true results.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 8 plants of Grape Tomato. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Grape Tomato in Chicago, Illinois? +

In Chicago (Zone 6b), start Grape Tomato seeds indoors around Wednesday, March 4, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Chicago, Illinois? +

The average last spring frost date for Chicago, Illinois (ZIP 60607) is around Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6b.

How long does Grape Tomato take to grow? +

Grape Tomato typically matures in about 65 days from transplanting. In Chicago, that means you can expect harvest around Wednesday, April 29, 2026 plus 65 days.

Should I start Grape Tomato indoors or direct sow in Illinois? +

Grape Tomato should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Chicago, that means starting around Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

📚 More Grape Tomato Planting Guides

🗺️

Grape Tomato in Illinois

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 6b Grape Tomato Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Grape Tomato in Zone 6b

Grape Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Chicago, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should start seeds indoors around Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Grape Tomato seedlings outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.