Growing tomatoes in Florida is a gardener favorite. I’ll make a generalization and say that we all appreciate tomatoes in one form or another. A fun and versatile crop, tomatoes can be grown in the garden, in containers, hydroponically, or even in hanging baskets. Learn how to grow tomatoes in any type of Florida garden.
There are determinate and indeterminate types of tomato plants. Indeterminate tomato plants have a sprawling tendency and need pruning and support to keep them tidy or off the ground. Determinate tomato plants grow more compact, in a bush shape.
And then there’s the everglades tomato, a tiny but flavorful variety, sprawling and vigorous, drought and heat tolerant. If you have the space and seek quantity, this is your best Florida tomato.
Growing tomatoes in Florida
Tomatoes | Solanum lycopersicum |
Season (FL) | Spring, Fall |
Soil type | Fertile; amended with organic material |
Light | 6 to 8 hours |
Water | Moist, not muddy |
Mature plant size | Varies |
Harvest in | 90-110 days |
Tomatoes are a warm weather crop and do best with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. Tomatoes are versatile and can also be grown in containers by a very sunny window indoors.
Best tomato varieties for Florida according to IFAS:
- ‘Better Boy’
- ‘Celebrity’
- ‘Amelia’
Recommended heirloom varieties:
- ‘Cherokee Purple’
- ‘Green Zebra’
- ‘Mortgage Lifter’
Heat-tolerant cultivars for the summer months:
- ‘Heat Wave II’
- most cherry tomatoes, including ‘Sweet 100’
When to plant your tomatoes
Tomatoes are generally tricky in heat of summer or facing the risk of frost. Plant tomatoes in February and September for best results.
What you’ll need to start growing tomatoes
Seeds can be bought online from plenty of reputable sources, as well as in your local hardware stores or even on Etsy – a good option for local home-grown varieties.
A trellis or cage is recommended to keep your plants upright.
If possible you’ll want high quality soil amended with organic material such as composted manure or peat moss. If planting in the garden bed – mulch, leaves or other organic materials are highly recommended.
How to plant tomatoes
With all the aforementioned materials in place, planting a tomato seed is pretty straightforward. Stick the seed a centimeter or so into the dirt, cover, water, and wait.
If transplanting, plant the seedlings deeper into the ground than they were in the pot, so the dirt reaches higher up the stem. This will promote more root growth along the stem and thus a sturdier plant.
Growing tomatoes in containers
Highly recommended for balconies and small spaces, or if you prefer the flexibility of moving your plants around.
Prop the container up next to a fence or trellis to give the plants upward space to grow. Otherwise, use a tomato cage or similar object of your choosing.
Potting soil should be high quality with plenty of organic material.
A most cost effective option would be your basic 5-gallon bucket with drainage holes in the bottom and a tomato cage in the soil.
Companion plantings reduce tomato pest problems
There are certain plants that I recommend to accompany your tomato plants, either in the same container or nearby in the garden. The idea is that these will either repel pests, or attract pests to them rather than to the tomato plants.
Some include:
- Nasturtium
- Basil
- Flowers
4 tips on caring for your tomato plants
- Give them something to climb
- Plants lying on the ground are more susceptible to fungus and disease.
- This also promotes better photosynthesis as more leaves receive direct sunlight.
- Don’t overwater
- This can lead to fungus/bacteria
- Water in the morning to allow for sun drying
- Keep soil moist but not muddy
- Prune often
- This promotes better air circulation
- Prune from the bottom and eventually remove all leaves/branches 1 to 2’ from the base
- Prune at least every two weeks
- Check regularly for diseases or irregularities
- Remove pests by hand or blasting with hose before they get out of control
Suggested recipes for fresh home-grown tomatoes
Caprese (another reason growing tomato & basil together is brilliant)
Pasta with fresh garden tomato sauce
Sundried tomatoes
Sources