Franka Kruse-Gering

March 16, 2026, 11:43 am | Read time: 3 minutes

When Is the Right Time to Pre-grow Tomatoes?

Generally, the perfect time to pre-grow tomatoes is between mid-March and April. It takes a few weeks for a seed to develop into a plant. Once it reaches a height of about 15 centimeters, it can be planted outdoors.

It’s important to plant them out only after the Ice Saints in May. Before the Ice Saints, there can still be frosty temperatures, which tomatoes cannot tolerate. If you have a greenhouse, tomato plants can be planted out a bit earlier, as it’s usually a few degrees warmer inside.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Early Pre-Growing

If you can hardly wait and want to start growing in February, you should consider a few pros and cons.

Also interesting: What to Consider When Pricking Out Tomatoes

Advantages

1. You have a time advantage, as the first tomatoes are already ripe for harvest when the neighbors are still admiring the blossoms.
2. Depending on the variety, the yield can be higher, as the harvest period is extended.
3. Due to the longer time indoors, the young plants are also protected from pests during this period.

Disadvantages

1. If you pre-grow tomatoes too early, they will have already reached a considerable size before they can be set outdoors. You will need to repot them to give them more space. Repotting causes stress for the plants, which can lead to lower yields and make them more susceptible to diseases.
2. Tomatoes need a lot of light and sufficient warmth. In the later months, the sun shining through the window is enough. In February, however, the sun is not yet strong enough.
3. Since tomatoes stay indoors longer when pre-grown early, they also require more space. This space is not available in every household.