If you want fresh tomatoes well into the cooler months, knowing when to plant fall tomatoes in Louisiana is your first step. This timing is everything, as it gives your plants a chance to mature before the first frost arrives.
Louisiana’s long, hot summers can make fall gardening a real advantage. The trick is to work backwards from your first expected frost date. By planting in late summer, you give tomatoes time to set fruit during warm days and ripen as nights get cooler.
When To Plant Fall Tomatoes In Louisiana
For most of Louisiana, the optimal planting window for fall tomatoes is from late July through mid-August. This is not a one-size-fits-all date, though. Your specific location in the state makes a big difference.
North Louisiana gardeners should aim for the earlier part of that range, around late July. Central Louisiana can plant from early to mid-August. South Louisiana has a bit more flexibility, often able to plant successfully from mid-August into early September.
Your ultimate guide is your average first frost date. You need to get your tomatoes in the ground so they have 85 to 100 days to produce before that frost. Always check your local parish extension office for the most accurate frost dates for your town.
Why Fall Tomatoes Are Worth the Effort
Fall tomato gardening comes with unique benefits. Pest and disease pressure from common summer issues like tomato hornworms often decreases as the season shifts. The intense, scorching heat of July, which can cause blossom drop, begins to fade.
Cooler fall temperatures can also improve fruit flavor, leading to sweeter, more complex tomatoes. You’ll extend your harvest season by several months, providing fresh produce long after summer plants have faded.
Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties
Selecting fast-maturing varieties is non-negotiable for a fall crop. You need tomatoes that go from transplant to harvest in the shortest time possible. Look for “days to maturity” on the seed packet or plant tag.
- Determinate Types: These are often best. They grow to a set size, set fruit all at once, and mature earlier. Good choices include ‘Celebrity’, ‘Bella Rosa’, and ‘Solar Fire’.
- Early Indeterminate Types: If you prefer vines that produce longer, choose early indeterminates like ‘Early Girl’, ‘Stupice’, or ‘Cherry’ types (e.g., ‘Sungold’).
- Avoid Long-Season Heirlooms: Large heirlooms that need 90+ days are usually to risky for a reliable fall harvest in Louisiana.
Step-by-Step: Planting Your Fall Tomatoes
- Source Your Plants or Seeds: In late summer, you may need to start your own from seed or find transplants at local nurseries. Starting seeds indoors in mid-July is a reliable method.
- Prepare the Soil: Amend your garden bed with 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Tomatoes need well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer worked into the soil at planting gives them a strong start.
- Transplant Carefully: Plant seedlings deeper than they were in their pot, burying the stem up to the first set of true leaves. This encourages a stronger root system. Space plants 2-3 feet apart.
- Water and Mulch Immediately: Water them in thoroughly right after planting. Apply a thick layer (3-4 inches) of mulch like pine straw or leaves around the base. This keeps soil cool, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds.
- Provide Afternoon Shade: For the first week or two, use a shade cloth or even an old bedsheet to protect young transplants from the intense late-summer sun. This reduces transplant shock.
Essential Care for Fall Tomato Success
Consistent care is what gets your plants through the final heat and into a productive fall.
Watering and Feeding
Water deeply 2-3 times per week, aiming for about 1-1.5 inches of water total. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Soaker hoses or drip irrigation are ideal. Once the first fruits are about the size of a golf ball, side-dress with a balanced fertilizer or compost to support fruit development.
Pest and Disease Vigilance
Keep a close eye out for pests. Fall can bring an influx of armyworms, stink bugs, and whiteflies. Inspect plants regularly and use organic controls like Bt for caterpillars or insecticidal soap for sap-suckers. Good air circulation and mulching helps prevent soil-borne diseases.
Preparing for Early Cold Snaps
Be ready to protect your plants. Have floating row covers, old blankets, or even cardboard boxes on hand to drape over plants if an unexpected early frost is forecasted. Covering plants can often save the ripening fruit for another week or two of harvest.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Fall tomato gardening isn’t without its hurdles. The initial heat stress can cause wilting or slowed growth—that’s why the temporary shade is so important. Blossom drop due to high temperatures is common in August; don’t panic, plants will set fruit when nights cool slightly.
As dew increases in the fall, fungal issues like leaf spot can appear. Remove affected leaves promptly and ensure plants aren’t crowded. Sometimes, you may not get every last tomato to fully ripen on the vine. That’s okay! Green tomatoes can be harvested before a hard freeze and ripened indoors on a windowsill.
Harvesting Your Fall Bounty
Your harvest time will depend on your planting date and variety. You can expect to start picking ripe fruit from late September through November. Check plants daily as frost nears. Tomatoes are ripe when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.
Before a killing frost, pick all mature green tomatoes (those that are full-sized and have a glossy, whitish-green skin). They will ripen indoors. Wrap them individually in newspaper or place them in a single layer in a cardboard box in a cool, dark place, checking weekly.
FAQs: Fall Tomatoes in Louisiana
Can I plant tomatoes in September in Louisiana?
In South Louisiana, early September planting is possible with very fast-maturing (60-70 day) varieties like ‘Early Girl’ or cherry tomatoes. For Central and North Louisiana, September is generally to late for a reliable harvest.
What is the latest date to plant tomatoes for fall?
Count back 90-100 days from your average first frost date. For Baton Rouge (frost around Nov. 25), latest planting is mid-August. For Shreveport (frost around Nov. 10), aim for late July as the absolute cutoff.
How do I protect fall tomatoes from heat when planting?
Use shade cloth for the first 10-14 days, water consistently in the morning, and apply a thick mulch to keep soil roots cooler. This helps the seedlings establish without as much stress.
Should I prune fall tomato plants?
For determinate varieties, avoid heavy pruning. For indeterminates, you can do light pruning to improve air flow, but don’t overdo it. The goal is to maximize leaf surface for energy production in a shorter season.
Getting your timing right for a fall tomato crop in Louisiana requires a bit of planning, but the reward is worth it. Fresh, homegrown tomatoes in October and November are a special treat. By following these guidelines on varieties, planting dates, and care, you’ll significantly increase your chances for a succesful and extended harvest season. Remember, the key is to start early enough to beat the frost, and to choose plants that will race against the cooling calendar.