Living in Florida, you are absolutely aware of Florida’s intense heat, especially in June, July August, and that too with high humidity, especially in coastal areas. But the story of Florida’s tomato can take a new turn because Florida doesn’t always have scorching heat.
Its three growing seasons: Fall to spring, offer the best-growing situations for almost all crops, including tomatoes. So, when it comes to planting in any specific region, then you must consider local climate and plant variety preference. (that two factors change planting time)
Growing tomatoes in Florida, you need to know when and how to sow its seeds, because regarding tomato plants, you have to care for both unsuitable seasons: summer heat and winter frost.
Tomatoes Best Growing Conditions
- Temperature above 10/15 Celcius for seed germination
- Temperature 18 to 28 Celcius for vegetative and reproductive growth.
- Above than 10 and 32 Celcius stops tomato growth.
- Less than 0 Celcius causes tomato’s death.
- Moist but not waterlogged, well-drainage soil with compost, perlite, or vermiculate
- Regular watering in the evening and morning, especially in warmer regions like Florida
- Organic fertilizer to boost spring growth.
When to Plant Tomatoes in Florida?
The first step in planting any crop is always to determine the right planting time. You know that the planting time is highly influenced by regional climate because the growing season and frost periods are distinct from area to area.
That’s why you have to observe your local climate whether you live in north, central, east, or south Florida. Here explore the best planting time easily without any more resistance.
The Best Time to Plant Tomatoes in Florida?
So, generally, tomato seeds are grown indoors before 6 to 8 weeks of the last frost date and then transplanted when the soil temperature reaches 10 Celcius. That rule applies to all of you according to your local frost dates!
North to Central Florida
This area experiences frost periods of almost 3 to 4 months with a minimum temperature range of -9.4 to -3.9 Celcius (15 to 25 Fahrenheit).
The average frost date starts from mid-November and ends in mid-March, meaning that you should plant tomato seeds indoors from late January to early February.
Then transplant tomato seedlings in late March when frost risk has passed in Florida! Frost is usually over by mid-March in USDA zone 8b and by early March in zone 9a.
East Coastal and Top South Florida
In the east and top south parts of Florida, frost periods are very short about 2 to 3 months, even 1 month in zone 10a, where southern parts are included.
In East Florida, average frost dates start in December and end in mid-February. Here, you can sow tomato seeds from January to early February and transplant seedlings from late February to mid-March.
South Florida
Living in zone 10 or 11a of South Florida, you can plant tomatoes two times in a year: one from October to December and the second from January to March.
Since hot months come early in South Florida, so you will have to make plans to protect tomato flowers from intense heat (above 32 Celcius), which also attracts pests and disease!
Can you grow Tomato Plants again in the Fall?
According to Florida’s climate, you can plant tomatoes two times: late winter to early spring and late summer to early Fall.
Although the right planning is necessary in north and central Florida, in south zones (10a, 11b), transplanting tomato plants in October is common due to the frost-free period.
Home gardeners prepare tomato seedlings in containers under shades and then transplant them outdoors after changing the weather (suitable for tomatoes).
But for fall planting, you will have to start with the right planting timeline, proper care, and choosing heat-tolerant varieties with short growth cycles (about 60 to 70 days), such as “Heatmaster” “Solarfire” “Pheonix” and “Florida 91”
Related Article: Are Tomato Plants Perennial or Annual?
How to Grow Tomatoes in Florida? Tips for Florida’s Heat
After analyzing the right planting time for tomatoes and sowing their seeds, the second basement is properly cared for and maintained in unsuitable conditions. It is important to provide good food and moisture in the warm and humid conditions of Florida’s climate.
The University of Florida recommends watering tomatoes in the evening or morning with heavy soaking per week. Always give water from below to minimize pest and disease risk.
Tomato plants prefer sunlight for 4 to 6 hours per day: In the summer months, shade and shade cloths prevent blossom drop. Keep enough distance of 2 feet between each tomato plant to maintain proper airflow and prevent disease risk.
Check out a guide on growing tomatoes in Florida from the University of Florida!
Plant Care Tips
- Key Difference Between Wet and Moist Soil for Gardeners
- How to Store Potting Soil: DIY Ideas With Practical Steps
- Limestone in Agriculture: Why Calcium Carbonate for Soil Matters
- How to Store Bulk Garden Soil: Learn From Common Mistakes
- Why Are Seeds Popping Out of the Soil When Worms Fertilize?
