Tennessee is a land of rolling hills and river valleys, forests and farmlands, and of course, tomatoes. Tomato gardens can be found in backyards and on farms across the state, each one producing delicious fruits.
Located in USDA zones 6 to 7, Tennessee has a long growing season, which means there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right tomatoes for your garden.
In general, growing tomatoes in Tennessee is relatively easy. However, just like in other parts of the country, some tomato varieties do better than others in our state’s climate.
Tomatoes are sensitive to both cold and heat, so it’s important to choose varieties that can withstand the sometimes extreme temperatures in Tennessee. Too hot or too cold, and your tomatoes will either stop growing or produce fruits that are less than flavorful.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the best tomatoes to grow in Tennessee.
Best Tomato Varieties to Grow in TN
Tennessee is blessed to have a long-growing season, allowing locals and gardeners to enjoy fresh tomatoes from early summer all the way into fall. While there are many different types of tomatoes that will do well in this state, here are some of the best varieties to grow in Tennessee:
Better Boy
If you’re looking for a delicious, juicy tomato to add to your summer salads, look no further than Better Boy. This variety is especially well-suited to Tennessee’s hot, humid conditions, producing abundant crops of bright red fruit.
The fruits of Better Boy are large and slightly flattened, with a smooth texture that makes them perfect for slicing. In addition, this variety is resistant to several common diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for even the busiest gardeners.
Celebrity
Another excellent choice for Tennessee gardens is Celebrity. This variety produces heavy crops of uniform, medium-sized fruit that are perfect for canning or cooking.
In addition, Celebrity tomatoes are crack-resistant and tolerant of both heat and cold stress, making them a versatile option for growers in any region.
Celebrity tomatoes also have good disease resistance, making them a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners.
In Tennessee, they can be planted as early as late April and will continue to produce fruit into October.
Cherokee Purple
For those looking for a unique tomato flavor, Cherokee Purple is an excellent choice. This heirloom variety has a rich, earthy taste that is unlike any other tomato on the market. The fruits of Cherokee Purple are large and slightly flattened, with a deep purple color that makes them a beautiful addition to any dish.
This variety is best suited to the warm temperatures of late spring and early summer in Tennessee. They can be planted as early as mid-April and will continue to produce fruit into October.
Big Boy
A good tomato starts with the right variety. They’re also prolific producers, so you’ll get a bumper crop of tomatoes from just a few plants. Big Boys are large, red tomatoes that weigh up to a pound each.
They have a classic tomato flavor perfect for slicing and eating fresh or using in recipes. When growing Big Boys, be sure to provide support for the vines because the fruit is heavy.
Stake or cage the plants so they don’t sag under the weight of the tomatoes. Big Boys are disease-resistant and easy to grow, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners or those who want a low-maintenance crop.
Beefsteak
Beefsteak tomatoes are another good choice for Tennessee gardens. They’re large, like Big Boys, and they have a firm flesh and a slightly acidic flavor that makes them ideal for sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
When growing Beefsteak tomatoes, be sure to give the plants plenty of room to spread out. They can get quite large, so provide them with ample space in the garden.
Beefsteak tomatoes are a good choice for canning and preserving because they hold their shape well. They can also be frozen for later use in cooking.
Tips on How to Grow Perfect Tomatoes in Tennessee
Now that you know some of the best varieties to grow, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start with healthy plants. You can either start your own from seed or buy transplants from a local nursery. Be sure to choose plants that are free of disease and pests.
- Tomatoes need full sun to produce the best fruit, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Tomatoes are heavy feeders and need regular fertilization to produce bountiful crops. Use a high-quality fertilizer formulated for tomatoes or compost to give your plants the nutrients they need.
- Water tomato plants deeply and regularly. They need at least an inch of water per week, so be sure to check the soil often and water as needed.
- Mulch your plants to help retain moisture and control weeds. Use straw, shredded leaves, or black plastic to cover the area around your tomato plants.
Best Tomato Varieties to grow in TN: Final Thoughts
There are many different types of tomatoes that will do well in the state of Tennessee. The best varieties to grow will depend on your individual preferences and needs. Consider the flavor, size, and disease resistance of each variety before making your final decision.
The state’s climate is well-suited to growing tomatoes, so you can have a bumper crop of delicious, homegrown tomatoes to enjoy all summer long with a bit of planning.
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