My Experience Growing 5 Tomato Varieties in Central Texas:

Tomatoes are a garden favorite, especially in Central Texas, where the climate provides ideal conditions for growing a variety of delicious and vibrant tomatoes. I’ve found that these five varieties of tomato do particularly well here.

Here’s how to grow these five different tomato varieties, including tips on sourcing seeds, planting times, caring for seedlings, pruning, and harvesting.

1. Cherokee Purple

Description: Known for its rich, sweet flavor and dark purple color.

Sourcing Seeds: Purchase from reputable seed companies or save seeds from a ripe Cherokee Purple tomato.

Planting Time: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date (mid-February to early March). Transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed (late March to early April).

Care:

• Seedlings: Keep seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny window, ensuring they receive 14-16 hours of light per day.
• Watering: Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks after seedlings have their first true leaves.

Pruning: Remove suckers (the small shoots that develop between the stem and branches) to promote better air circulation and fruit production.

Harvesting: Harvest when tomatoes are a deep purple color and slightly soft to the touch. Typically, 80-85 days after transplanting.

2. Celebrity

Description: A reliable, disease-resistant hybrid with firm, flavorful fruit.

Sourcing Seeds: Available from seed catalogs and garden centers.

Planting Time: Start seeds indoors in early spring (mid-February to early March). Transplant outdoors after the last frost (late March to early April).

Care:

• Seedlings: Ensure seedlings are kept warm (70-75°F) and well-lit.
• Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves to maintain plant health.

Harvesting: Pick when tomatoes are bright red and firm. Generally, 70-75 days after transplanting.

3. Sun Gold

Description: A cherry tomato variety known for its sweet, tangy flavor and bright orange color.

Sourcing Seeds: Purchase from seed suppliers or save seeds from mature Sun Gold tomatoes.

Planting Time: Begin seeds indoors in mid-February to early March. Transplant outdoors in late March to early April.

Care:

• Seedlings: Keep seedlings in a warm, sunny location with plenty of light.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
• Fertilizing: Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer once a week.

Pruning: Prune lightly to manage size and improve air circulation. Remove lower leaves that touch the soil to prevent disease.

Harvesting: Harvest when tomatoes are a vibrant orange and firm. Typically, 55-65 days after transplanting.

4. Roma

Description: An excellent paste tomato with dense, meaty flesh and few seeds.

Sourcing Seeds: Available from garden centers and seed catalogs.

Planting Time: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date (mid-February to early March). Transplant outdoors after the last frost (late March to early April).

Care:

• Seedlings: Provide plenty of light and maintain a warm environment.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Pruning: Prune to remove suckers and lower leaves to encourage fruit production and prevent disease.

Harvesting: Harvest when tomatoes are deep red and firm. Generally, 75-80 days after transplanting.

5. Brandywine

Description: A classic heirloom variety with large, flavorful fruit and a slightly sweet taste.

Sourcing Seeds: Purchase from heirloom seed suppliers or save seeds from ripe Brandywine tomatoes.

Planting Time: Start seeds indoors in mid-February to early March. Transplant outdoors in late March to early April.

Care:

• Seedlings: Ensure seedlings receive plenty of light and warmth.
• Watering: Water consistently to maintain even soil moisture.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Pruning: Prune heavily to remove suckers and promote airflow. Focus on the central stem and remove any lower leaves that could touch the ground.

Harvesting: Harvest when tomatoes are fully red and slightly soft to the touch. Typically, 80-90 days after transplanting.

General Tips for Growing Tomatoes in Central Texas

• Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
• Mulching: Mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Support: Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support growing plants and prevent them from sprawling.
• Pest Management: Keep an eye out for pests and treat with organic methods if necessary. Use diatomaceous earth to keep most pests away, and if you notice any pick them off or spray with a homemade pest repellent like diluted vinegar or soapy water.
• Preventing disease: Things like blossom end rot and other diseases are preventable. Use eggshells and ashes in the soil to help with the pH and make it easier for the plant to withstand diseases.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of various tomato varieties, each with its unique flavor and use.