When to Plant Tomato in Rockford, Illinois (61101)
Location
Rockford, Illinois
ZIP Code
61101
USDA Zone
5b
Last Frost
Saturday, April 25, 2026
📅 Planting Calendar
Direct Sow Outdoors Saturday, March 14, 2026
Pro Tip: Tomato can be directly sown outdoors. Plant 6 weeks before your last frost date.
🌿 Plant Details
Scientific Name Lycopersicon esculentum
Days to Maturity 70 days
Mature Height 36-72"
Spread 24"
Type Indeterminate
Fruit Size Medium (4-8 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
🤝 Good Companions
BasilCarrotParsleyMarigoldBorage
⚠️ Avoid Planting Near
BrassicasFennelCornKohlrabi
Other Plants for Rockford
Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bell Pepper Bok Choy Broccoli Brussel Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Mustard Okra Onion Parsnip Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Pumpkin Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Turnip Watermelon Zucchini
Growing Tomato in Zone 5b
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Rockford, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Tomato grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.