Growing tomatoes in Florida is challenging due to high heat, intense humidity, and year-round pressure from pests and diseases. Success depends on precise timing, as plants struggle to set fruit when nighttime temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This narrow window necessitates planting during specific seasonal periods that vary across Florida’s distinct climate zones.
Florida’s Regional Planting Schedules
Florida is divided into three broad planting regions: North, Central, and South. The goal in all regions is to time flowering and fruiting to avoid the hottest summer months, allowing for both a spring and a fall/winter growing season.
In North Florida, which includes the Panhandle, the season is the shortest due to a greater risk of frost. The spring planting window typically opens in late February or early March, after the danger of the last frost has passed. Gardeners aim to complete the bulk of the harvest before sustained summer heat begins. The fall season starts with planting transplants in July or August, allowing production during milder autumn temperatures before winter cold returns.
Central Florida, encompassing cities like Orlando and Tampa, offers earlier and longer windows. Spring transplants can be placed in the ground as early as January or February. This earlier start gives plants more time to establish and set fruit before the intense heat arrives. The fall season usually runs from an August or early September planting until the first potential cold snap of late fall or early winter.
The climate of South Florida, including Miami and the Keys, allows for the longest growing season, effectively making it a winter crop. Planting can begin in August and continue through February. Growers focus on avoiding the summer rainy season and extreme heat, which cause fruit set failure and encourage disease.
Preparing the Soil and Selecting Varieties
The foundation for a healthy Florida tomato plant begins well before transplanting, demanding attention to soil composition and varietal selection. Tomatoes thrive in well-draining, humus-rich soil, which is often a challenge in Florida’s naturally sandy conditions. Amending the planting site with substantial organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, is necessary to improve water retention and soil structure.
The ideal soil pH for tomatoes ranges from 6.2 to 6.5, which helps ensure efficient nutrient absorption. Since native Florida soil can often be alkaline, a soil test is recommended to determine if amendments like sulfur are needed. Using raised beds or containers filled with a quality potting mix is an effective way to bypass poor native soil and ensure optimal drainage.
Selecting the right cultivar is important, as many common varieties fail to set fruit when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Growers should seek out heat-set varieties specifically bred for the South’s climate, such as ‘Heatmaster,’ ‘Floradade,’ or ‘Celebrity.’ Cherry and grape tomatoes, including varieties like ‘Sweet 100,’ are naturally more heat-tolerant and often continue to produce when larger-fruited types have ceased.
Initial Post-Planting Care
Proper initial care is necessary for the plant to successfully establish itself. Plant the tomato deeply by removing the lower leaves and burying about two-thirds of the stem. This encourages a robust root system along the buried portion. Pinch off any flowers present on the transplant so the plant focuses energy on root and foliage growth rather than premature fruit production.
Immediate support is mandatory in Florida’s humid climate. Install a sturdy cage or stake at the time of planting to prevent root damage and keep the plant and fruit off the moist ground. Deep, thorough watering immediately after transplanting helps settle the soil and minimizes shock.
Initial fertilization should focus on phosphorus for root development. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as excessive nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit. Maintaining consistent moisture is paramount, as irregular watering can lead to blossom end rot, which is caused by a localized calcium deficiency.
Handling Florida’s Common Pests and Diseases
Florida’s warm, wet conditions create an environment where constant surveillance for pests and pathogens is required.
Pests and Mitigation
Root-knot nematodes are microscopic roundworms that damage root systems, especially in sandy soils. Mitigation involves planting VFN-resistant varieties and incorporating high amounts of organic matter.
Fungal diseases like early blight thrive in humidity, causing dark spots and defoliation. Preventative measures include:
- Ensuring good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning.
- Avoiding overhead watering that keeps foliage wet.
- Applying fungicides early in the season if necessary.
- Promptly removing and destroying infected plant material.
Insect pests include the tomato hornworm, which rapidly defoliates plants and often requires hand-picking. Whiteflies are vectors for viruses like Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus. Managing whiteflies requires using resistant plant varieties and aggressive control through horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.