Heirloom tomatoes in central Florida

17 years ago

I've just moved to central Florida. (can't figure how to change my user name - there's an edit function for everything else!?)

Anyway, I have just recently begun to grow heirloom tomatoes, and I love them! Now, I have a growing season issue. Florida gardens tend to be "done" by the end of June, but beyond that, I expect to be travelling in the summer. So, I need to know what are good tomatoes that will produce for me in the window of March 1 - Jun 15, or Sep 1 to whenever the first freeze comes (average Dec 15, but was mid Oct this year!!). The issue with the Fall planting also includes the fact that the days are getting shorter very rapidly, and the plants will slow down.

My favorites from Nevada were Kellogs Breakfast, Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, and Prudens Purple. Now, I only had 2 seasons of testing heirlooms, so I know there are a lot of possibilities. What I like in a tomato is that it's meaty, not too pulpy, and has tang and aroma along with the sweetness.

I'd love to hear what your advice is! Thanks, and good gardening!

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Comments (6)

tamrootbeer
17 years ago
Hi Eileen,
As to username...I don't think you can change them once chosen...though you could change your zone (which follows your username) to something like:

eileen_nv Now In Central FLA Zone 9

As for the tomotoes...I have Cherokee Purples ripening now. Tiny Lemon Drops have been fruiting since November. Both are heirloom varieties. Actually, pretty much any tomato you want to grow in Florida will do well. And don't let the Month of the Year stop you. As with this year, we've only had frost 2 times...very lightly...so the growing season has not been interrupted. The only time I can't garden real well is July - September.

Where are you in Central Fl?
simmran1
17 years ago
At the very top of the ivillage page Welcome! your profile or Logout. You can edit your profile as to location, zone etc.
[done by the end of June][March 1 to June 15th]
Cherokee Purple is going to be a big problem with your schedule. You're going to have to go with some earlies. A three month window. Oregon Spring, Siletz; I don't know maybe find some Bonny Plants in big pots at your Lowes?
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digdirt2
17 years ago
The link below is to the many discussions on how to grow tomatoes in Florida from over on the Florida Gardening forum here at GW. Should be of help to you.

It seems the hardest thing to learn for new residents is proper planting times as they are very different from what you might be used to in the past. ;) Heirlooms or hybrids - makes no difference.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Growing tomatoes in Florida
doodledogie_yahoo_com
17 years ago
So I am in the process of moving to FL -- and have decided it is ablessing that I will not arrive till Oct probably.
I hate humidity!!! LOL
Now I will be starting out in an Appt -- so I need to do containers -- please explain further the benefits of double potting. Also glad you said not to try to make the sand into Northern soil -- I most certainly would have I am afraid.
Where is the best place to find local veges in the Largo FL area??
Do I need to use extra large planters -- since appently plants grow much larger there!!

Thanks

Karen
a_micklos
11 years ago
The only way I grow tomatoes is in containers. I have been gardening in central Florida just north of tampa for many years and Nematodes are the biggest single problem with tomatoes. Container growing solves that if you don't put the pot directly on the ground. The best varieties for this area, spring and fall are any cherry type and best boy and better boy. There are other types like Homestead and mortgage saver but they don't get as large as the better line and the plants grow better in reduced light.
smoopettes3
8 years ago
I witnessed an old greek neighbor grow 10 tomato plants in 5 gal. Containers in the dead of summer averaging 5-6' that were literally bursting with fruit.his secret...they were on the north side of the house and only got indirect light reflected off of the white stucco of my house.