The Mountain Pride tomato variety is popular among home gardeners for its consistent performance and desirable fruit qualities. This hybrid is known for its reliability, offering a dependable harvest of flavorful fruit. Its straightforward cultivation and robust nature make it suitable for various growing conditions.
Mountain Pride Tomato Characteristics
Mountain Pride tomatoes are a determinate variety, growing to a specific height, typically 3 to 5 feet, and producing fruit over a concentrated period. This growth habit suits them for container gardening or smaller spaces where indeterminate varieties might sprawl. Plants mature in about 70 to 77 days from transplanting.
The fruit are deep red, round, and firm, usually weighing 6 to 8 ounces, though some can reach 10 ounces. They have a balanced, flavorful taste and resistance to cracking. Mountain Pride tomatoes also resist several common diseases, including Verticillium Wilt (V), Fusarium Wilt (races 1 and 2), Alternaria Stem Canker, Bacterial Speck, and Gray Leaf Spot.
Cultivating Mountain Pride Tomatoes
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Cultivating Mountain Pride tomatoes begins with selecting a site that receives full sun exposure, ideally six to eight hours daily. These plants thrive in fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, with a recommended pH range of 6.2 to 6.8. Prior to planting, amend the soil thoroughly with organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, to enhance fertility and drainage.
Planting Guidelines
Starting Mountain Pride tomato seeds indoors 7 to 9 weeks before the last anticipated spring frost date can give plants a head start. Move transplants outdoors when the soil warms sufficiently, typically three weeks after the last frost and when ambient temperatures consistently remain above 70°F. When planting, bury seedlings deeply, up to the first set of true leaves, to encourage a stronger root system. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart for proper air circulation and growth.
Ongoing Care
Consistent moisture is key for Mountain Pride tomatoes. Water deeply to ensure soil moisture to a depth of 4 to 5 inches, avoiding frequent shallow watering. Deep watering encourages extensive root systems and prevents fruit cracking and blossom end rot. Watering at the base of the plant in the morning helps keep foliage dry, reducing fungal disease risk.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and fruit production, and a balanced approach is beneficial. Initially, incorporate a fertilizer with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorus and potassium into the soil. Once plants begin to set fruit, a mid-season application of an all-purpose or balanced granular fertilizer provides sustained nutrients. Providing physical support through caging or staking is recommended, as their determinate growth habit and concentrated fruit set benefit from added stability.
Harvesting and Enjoying Mountain Pride Tomatoes
Harvesting Mountain Pride tomatoes ensures optimal flavor and texture. The fruits are ready when entirely red and firm, yielding slightly to gentle pressure. As a determinate variety, Mountain Pride fruit ripens all at once, typically over two to three weeks. This concentrated ripening makes it an excellent choice for gardeners planning to process large batches for sauces or canning.
To harvest, carefully clip or twist the tomato from the vine to avoid damaging the plant. Once harvested, ripe Mountain Pride tomatoes are versatile, excelling as slicers, in fresh salads, or cooked into sauces. For short-term storage, keep ripe tomatoes at room temperature (ideally 63-70°F) away from direct sunlight, as refrigeration diminishes flavor and alters texture.