When Do You Plant Tomatoes In Florida

If you’re a Florida gardener, timing your tomato planting is the single most important step for a great harvest. Knowing exactly when do you plant tomatoes in Florida makes all the difference between a struggling plant and a basket full of fruit. Our unique climate, with its long growing seasons and intense heat, requires a specific schedule. This guide will walk you through the best times for every region, from the Panhandle to the Keys.

Florida’s planting schedule revolves around avoiding frost and the worst of the summer heat. Tomatoes are a warm-season crop, but they don’t set fruit well when nights are too hot. For most of the state, you have two main planting windows: one in late winter/early spring and another in late summer for a fall harvest.

Florida’s Two Prime Tomato Planting Seasons

The key is to plant so that your tomatoes mature during periods of mild temperatures. Here’s the breakdown for the majority of Florida.

Spring Planting: This is the primary season for most gardeners. You’ll start seeds indoors in December or January. Then, you transplant your seedlings into the garden from late January through February. Your harvest will come in before the summer heat peaks in May or June.
Fall Planting: This season is excellent for a second, often higher-quality crop. You’ll start seeds indoors in mid-July to early August. Transplant seedlings into the garden from August to early September. The plants will fruit as temperatures cool in the fall, leading to superb flavor.

Regional Planting Calendars for Florida

Florida is a long state with varying climates. What works in Pensacola won’t be the same schedule for Miami. Use this regional guide to fine-tune your timing.

North Florida (Zones 8-9)

This region can get occasional frosts. Protecting young plants is crucial in the spring.

Spring Transplant: Late February to late March.
Fall Transplant: Early August to early September.

Central Florida (Zones 9b-10a)

This is prime tomato territory with a long, productive growing season.

Spring Transplant: Early February to early March.
Fall Transplant: Early August to early September.

South Florida & the Keys (Zones 10b-11)

Frost is rarely a concern, but intense summer heat and humidity are the main challenges.

Spring Transplant: You can plant as early as January or February.
Fall Transplant: Late August through September, sometimes into early October.

Step-by-Step: Preparing for Planting

Once you know your dates, proper preparation sets your tomatoes up for success. Don’t skip these steps.

1. Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties

Select varieties bred for Florida’s heat, humidity, and disease pressure. Look for labels with VFN resistance.

For Spring: Fast-maturing varieties (65-75 days) like ‘Florida 91’, ‘Solar Fire’, or ‘Celebrity’ beat the heat.
For Fall: You have more time, so you can try larger varieties like ‘Better Boy’ or heirlooms like ‘Cherokee Purple’.
Cherry Tomatoes: ‘Sweet 100’, ‘Sun Gold’, and ‘Juliet’ are consistently reliable performers across both seasons.

2. Site and Soil Preparation

Tomatoes need full sun—at least 8 hours of direct light. They also demand excellent drainage.

Test Your Soil: A simple test from your local extension office tells you pH and nutrient levels. Tomatoes prefer a pH of 6.2 to 6.8.
Amend the Soil: Mix in 3-4 inches of quality compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil. This improves drainage and fertility.
Consider Raised Beds: In areas with sandy or poorly draining soil, raised beds filled with a mix of topsoil and compost are a game-changer.

Planting Your Tomatoes Correctly

How you plant is just as important as when. Follow these tips for strong, healthy plants.

Harden Off Seedlings: If you started seeds indoors or bought plants from a nursery, acclimate them to outdoor sun and wind over 7-10 days.
Plant Deeply: Bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves. The buried stem will grow additional roots, creating a sturdier plant. This is a critical step many gardeners forget.
Space Properly: Place plants 24-36 inches apart in rows spaced 3-4 feet apart. Good air circulation prevents fungal diseases.
Water and Mulch Immediately: Water thoroughly at the base after planting. Then, apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like pine straw or leaves) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Essential Care Through the Season

Consistent care after planting ensures a bountiful harvest. Pay close attention to watering and feeding.

Watering and Fertilizing Schedule

Tomatoes need consistent moisture, especially once fruit starts to set. Fluctuations can cause blossom end rot.

Watering: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Water deeply at the soil line, not the leaves, in the morning. Drip irrigation is ideal.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer at planting. Then, switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer when flowering begins to promote fruit set over leaf growth.

Staking and Pruning

Keeping plants off the ground prevents disease and makes harvesting easier.

Install Supports Early: Put cages or stakes in place right after planting to avoid damaging roots later.
Prune Selectively: For indeterminate varieties, remove the “suckers” that grow in the leaf axils to improve air flow. Determinate varieties need little to no pruning.

Pest and Disease Watch

Florida’s humidity invites problems. Regular inspection is your best defense.

Common Pests: Watch for aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies. Pick off large pests by hand or use insecticidal soap.
Common Diseases: Fungal issues like early blight and powdery mildew are prevalent. Water at the base, ensure good spacing, and remove affected leaves promptly. Choosing resistant varieties is the best prevention.

Harvesting Your Florida Tomatoes

Harvest time depends on your variety and planting season. For the best flavor, pick tomatoes at the right stage.

Harvest when the fruit is fully colored but still firm. A slight give to gentle pressure is perfect.
Twist the tomato gently from the vine, or use pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
For the fall crop, you may need to harvest the last green tomatoes before the first potential frost in North Florida. These can ripen indoors on a windowsill.

FAQ: Your Florida Tomato Questions Answered

What is the latest you can plant tomatoes in Florida?

For a fall crop, aim to have transplants in the ground by early September in North/Central Florida and by mid-October in South Florida. Later planting risks exposure to early frosts or insufficient time to mature.

Can you grow tomatoes year-round in Florida?

In theory, South Florida can, but summer quality is poor. The extreme heat, humidity, and intense pest pressure makes summer the most difficult season. It’s generally recommended to focus on the spring and fall planting windows for the best results and to give your soil a break.

Why did my tomato plants flower but not set fruit?

This is usually due to high nighttime temperatures (above 75°F) or high humidity, which interferes with pollination. This is a common problem in the late spring. Choosing heat-set varieties and planting at the optimal fall time can solve this.

What are the best tomatoes to grow in Florida heat?

Look for hybrid varieties with documented heat tolerance and disease resistance. ‘Florida 91’, ‘Solar Fire’, ‘Heatmaster’, and ‘Phoenix’ are all excellent choices developed specifically for challenging climates like ours.

By following this Florida-specific schedule and tips, you’ll be well on your way to a succesful tomato harvest. Remember, the right timing is the foundation everything else is built upon. Grab your calendar, mark your planting dates, and get ready to enjoy homegrown tomatoes that actually have flavor.