In Florida, where the summers can be scorching hot, it is important to choose tomato varieties that are heat-tolerant. These tomatoes are better able to withstand the intense heat and continue setting fruit even in high temperatures. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have had personal experience with growing tomatoes in the Florida heat and can recommend a few heat-tolerant varieties that have performed well.
One popular heat-tolerant tomato variety is ‘Heat Wave II’. This cultivar is specifically bred to thrive in hot and humid conditions, making it an excellent choice for Florida gardeners. I have grown ‘Heat Wave II’ myself and have been impressed with its ability to produce a steady harvest even during the hottest months of the year. The tomatoes are medium-sized and have a delicious flavor, making them a great choice for fresh eating or cooking.
Another heat-tolerant tomato that I highly recommend is ‘Cherokee Purple’. This heirloom variety has gained popularity for its excellent taste and ability to perform well in hot climates. ‘Cherokee Purple’ tomatoes have a unique deep purple color and a rich, sweet flavor. I have grown this variety in Florida and have been pleased with the consistent fruit production even in the heat of summer.
If you prefer a cherry tomato variety, ‘Sweet 100’ is a fantastic choice for heat tolerance. These small, juicy tomatoes are packed with flavor and are known for their ability to set fruit even in high temperatures. I have grown ‘Sweet 100’ in Florida and have always had an abundance of cherry tomatoes throughout the summer.
‘Green Zebra’ is another heat-tolerant tomato variety worth considering. This heirloom tomato has a distinct striped green skin and a tangy, sweet flavor. It is known for its ability to handle hot weather and continue producing fruit. I have grown ‘Green Zebra’ in Florida and have found it to be a reliable performer, even during the hottest parts of the summer.
Lastly, ‘Mortgage Lifter’ is a heat-tolerant heirloom tomato that deserves mention. This variety has a fascinating history and gets its name from the story of a man who paid off his mortgage by selling the tomatoes he grew. ‘Mortgage Lifter’ tomatoes are large and meaty, with a delicious flavor that is perfect for sandwiches and sauces. I have grown ‘Mortgage Lifter’ in Florida and have found it to be quite resilient to the heat, producing a bountiful harvest.
When selecting heat-tolerant tomatoes for Florida, varieties like ‘Heat Wave II’, ‘Cherokee Purple’, ‘Sweet 100’, ‘Green Zebra’, and ‘Mortgage Lifter’ have proven to be reliable performers in my personal experience. These tomatoes have withstood the intense heat of Florida summers and continued to set fruit, providing a delicious harvest for gardeners.
