These are my earliest tomato varieties this year, with full-sized fruit on the vine, although still green. NE Texas, 8a.
Most seeds were started indoors 12 January. Most seedlings were planted outdoors 5 March. Our 50% last frost date is 31 March; 90% is 14 April. I protected most of these young plants with wall-of-water insulating teepees. Most were also mulched with micro-perforated red plastic.
Some that were not protected were killed by a light frost the night of 18 March. I replaced them with healthy “reserves” that were still indoors. These backup plants are now indistinguishable from the originals.
Determinates: The earliest for me has been Precocibec – Cold tolerant, from Quebec. Listed as 75 days from planting out to being ready for harvest. Victory Seeds.
Indeterminates: Black Krim. 80 days. Victory Seeds. It was surprising to see so much fruit on this mid-season to late-season variety after less than 60 days from planting out. It’s one of my favorites, based on flavor.
Cherry: Baby Boomer – Loaded with trusses of green fruit. 60 days. Burpee Seeds.
Dwarf: Siletz – Lots of full-sized fruit (4 to 6 ounces) low on the plant. 55 days. Tomatofest Seeds.
Am growing outdoors in large fabric grow bags. A total of 32 plants. Hoping to have that first BLT before the end of May.
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**My earliest varieties**
These are my earliest tomato varieties this year, with full-sized fruit on the vine, although still green. NE Texas, 8a.
Most seeds were started indoors 12 January. Most seedlings were planted outdoors 5 March. Our 50% last frost date is 31 March; 90% is 14 April. I protected most of these young plants with wall-of-water insulating teepees. Most were also mulched with micro-perforated red plastic.
Some that were not protected were killed by a light frost the night of 18 March. I replaced them with healthy “reserves” that were still indoors. These backup plants are now indistinguishable from the originals.
Determinates: The earliest for me has been Precocibec – Cold tolerant, from Quebec. Listed as 75 days from planting out to being ready for harvest. Victory Seeds.
Indeterminates: Black Krim. 80 days. Victory Seeds. It was surprising to see so much fruit on this mid-season to late-season variety after less than 60 days from planting out. It’s one of my favorites, based on flavor.
Cherry: Baby Boomer – Loaded with trusses of green fruit. 60 days. Burpee Seeds.
Dwarf: Siletz – Lots of full-sized fruit (4 to 6 ounces) low on the plant. 55 days. Tomatofest Seeds.
Am growing outdoors in large fabric grow bags. A total of 32 plants. Hoping to have that first BLT before the end of May.