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With its rich soil and warm, temperate weather, Oklahoma’s climate is favorable for a wide variety of tomatoes. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, selecting the right type of tomato for your garden can significantly impact your yield and overall gardening experience. This article’ll explore the 15 best tomatoes to grow in Oklahoma.
1. Beefsteak
Beefsteak tomatoes are excellent for Oklahoma because they’re tolerant of heat and grow large, juicy fruits. They are perfect for slicing and using in sandwiches or salads.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Beefsteak tomatoes thrive in full sun and prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.2 to 6.8). They need plenty of space, as they can grow quite large, up to 2-3 feet tall.
Planting and Care
Start beefsteak tomato seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date. When transplanting, make sure to provide ample spacing (about 24-36 inches apart) and use cages or stakes for support as they grow.
Common Pests and Diseases
Beefsteak tomatoes are prone to common tomato pests like tomato hornworms and aphids. Diseases like early blight, late blight, and fusarium wilt can also be a concern.
2. Cherokee Purple
This heirloom tomato is well-suited to Oklahoma’s climate. It has a unique, rich flavor and its deep-purple color adds a pop of color to your garden.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Cherokee Purple tomatoes prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. They do well in Oklahoma’s heat, but appreciate consistent watering during dry spells.
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Once transplanted, Cherokee Purple tomatoes require staking or caging due to their indeterminate growth habit.
Common Pests and Diseases
These tomatoes are susceptible to common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Diseases include bacterial spot, early and late blight.
3. Better Boy
Better Boy tomatoes are a favorite amongst Oklahoma gardeners due to their high yield and resistance to common tomato diseases. They grow well in containers and produce large fruits.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Better Boy tomatoes grow best in full sun, in rich and well-drained soil. They are heat-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for Oklahoma’s summers.
Planting and Care
Transplant Better Boy tomatoes into the garden after the risk of frost has passed. Provide them with a tomato cage or stake for support, as they can grow up to 6-8 feet tall.
Common Pests and Diseases
Better Boy tomatoes can fall prey to pests like stink bugs, cutworms, and aphids. They can also contract diseases such as Verticillium wilt and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.
4. Celebrity
Celebrity tomatoes are hybrid varieties that are resistant to various diseases. They are highly productive and yield medium-sized, flavorful tomatoes.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Celebrity tomatoes need full sun and fertile, well-drained soil to thrive. They are drought-resistant, making them suitable for Oklahoma’s varied climate.
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. When transplanting outdoors, space plants 24-36 inches apart. Celebrity tomatoes are determinant, meaning they grow to a certain size, produce all their fruit at once, and then stop growing.
Common Pests and Diseases
While Celebrity tomatoes are resistant to many common diseases, they can still be affected by pests such as aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies.
5. Sweet 100 Cherry
Sweet 100 Cherry tomatoes are ideal for Oklahoma’s climate as they are heat tolerant. They produce small, sweet fruits in clusters, making them a favorite for snacking and salads.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sweet 100 Cherry tomatoes thrive in full sun with well-draining soil. They are heat-tolerant, which is excellent for Oklahoma’s hot summers.
Planting and Care
Transplant seedlings outdoors when all danger of frost is gone. These indeterminate plants need to be staked or caged to support their vines.
Common Pests and Diseases
Sweet 100 Cherry tomatoes can be susceptible to common pests like aphids, stink bugs, and whiteflies. Diseases can include early blight, late blight, and fusarium wilt.
6. Brandywine
Brandywine tomatoes are a popular heirloom variety known for their excellent flavor and large size. These tomatoes require staking due to their heavy fruits.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Brandywine tomatoes love full sun and prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil. They appreciate consistent watering, especially during dry periods.
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Once transplanted, these indeterminate tomatoes require staking or caging to support their large fruits.
Common Pests and Diseases
Brandywine tomatoes can be affected by pests like cutworms, hornworms, and aphids. Diseases may include early blight, late blight, and blossom end rot.
7. Roma
Roma tomatoes are a classic choice for gardeners in Oklahoma. They are resistant to most tomato diseases and are excellent for cooking, canning, and making sauces.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Roma tomatoes enjoy full sun and rich, well-drained soil. They are a heat-tolerant variety and do well in the Oklahoma climate.
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. When transplanting outdoors, space plants 24-36 inches apart. These determinate tomatoes grow to a certain size, produce all their fruit at once, and then stop growing.
Common Pests and Diseases
Roma tomatoes can fall prey to pests like cutworms, aphids, and hornworms. They can also contract diseases such as Verticillium, Fusarium, and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.
8. Sun Gold Cherry
Sun Gold Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet, and grow in clusters. They’re loved for their unique, tangy flavor and are perfect for salads.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Gold Cherry tomatoes thrive in full sun and require well-draining soil. They love heat, making them a great choice for Oklahoma’s summer.
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. When ready to transplant, space them 24-36 inches apart. These indeterminate tomatoes need to be staked or caged to support their vines.
Common Pests and Diseases
Sun Gold Cherry tomatoes can be susceptible to common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. Diseases can include early blight, late blight, and fusarium wilt.
9. Jet Star
Jet Star tomatoes are known for their high yield and disease resistance. These tomatoes have a low-acid content, making them perfect for those who prefer a sweeter tomato.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Jet Star tomatoes require full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. They are heat-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for Oklahoma’s hot summers.
Planting and Care
Transplant Jet Star tomatoes into the garden after the risk of frost has passed. Provide them with a tomato cage or stake for support, as they can grow up to 5-6 feet tall.
Common Pests and Diseases
Jet Star tomatoes can fall prey to pests like aphids, cutworms, and hornworms. They can also contract diseases such as Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.
10. San Marzano
San Marzano is an Italian variety well-suited for making sauces and pastes. These tomatoes thrive in Oklahoma’s climate and produce elongated, flavorful fruits.
Optimal Growing Conditions
San Marzano tomatoes require full sun and well-drained soil. They thrive in the warm and temperate climate of Oklahoma.
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, and transplant outdoors when the danger of frost has passed. Space the plants 24-36 inches apart. These indeterminate tomatoes need staking or caging to support their vines.
Common Pests and Diseases
Pests like aphids, cutworms, and hornworms can affect San Marzano tomatoes. They can also contract diseases such as Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, Fusarium wilt, and Verticillium wilt.
11. Green Zebra
Green Zebra tomatoes are attractive with a tangy flavor. They are small, round, and have a distinctive green-striped skin when ripe.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Green Zebra tomatoes prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. They are heat-tolerant, making them suitable for Oklahoma’s summers.
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. When ready to transplant, space them 24-36 inches apart. These indeterminate tomatoes require staking or caging to support their growth.
Common Pests and Diseases
Green Zebra tomatoes can fall prey to pests like aphids, stink bugs, and hornworms. Diseases can include early blight, late blight, and fusarium wilt.
12. Black Krim
Black Krim is a rich, flavorful heirloom variety that is dark red to purple in color. These tomatoes grow well in Oklahoma’s warm summers.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Black Krim tomatoes require full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. They are heat-tolerant, making them a great choice for Oklahoma’s hot summers.
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. When transplanting outdoors, provide 24-36 inches of spacing between plants. These indeterminate tomatoes need to be staked or caged to support their large fruits.
Common Pests and Diseases
Pests like aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies can affect Black Krim tomatoes. They can also contract diseases such as early blight, late blight, and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
13. Early Girl
Early Girl tomatoes are an excellent choice for impatient gardeners as they mature quickly. These tomatoes are medium-sized and have a delicious flavor.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Early Girl tomatoes enjoy full sun and require well-drained soil. They’re a heat-tolerant variety, thriving in the warm Oklahoma climate.
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. When transplanting outdoors, space plants 24-36 inches apart. These indeterminate tomatoes require staking or caging for support as they grow.
Common Pests and Diseases
Early Girl tomatoes can be affected by pests like aphids, cutworms, and hornworms. They can also contract diseases such as Verticillium, Fusarium, and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.
14. Yellow Pear
Yellow Pear tomatoes are small, pear-shaped, and have a sweet, mild flavor. These tomatoes add a pop of color and are a hit in salads.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Yellow Pear tomatoes love full sun and well-drained soil. They are heat-tolerant, which makes them suitable for the hot Oklahoma summers.
Planting and Care
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. When transplanting outdoors, space plants 24-36 inches apart. These indeterminate tomatoes need to be staked or caged to support their vines.
Common Pests and Diseases
Yellow Pear tomatoes can be susceptible to common pests like aphids, stink bugs, and whiteflies. Diseases can include early blight, late blight, and fusarium wilt.
15. Super Sweet 100
Super Sweet 100 tomatoes produce small, cherry-sized fruits that are incredibly sweet. They are prolific and thrive in the warm Oklahoma climate.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Super Sweet 100 tomatoes require full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. They’re heat-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for Oklahoma’s hot summers.
Planting and Care
Transplant Super Sweet 100 tomatoes into the garden after the risk of frost has passed. Provide them with a tomato cage or stake for support, as they can grow up to 5-6 feet tall.
Common Pests and Diseases
Super Sweet 100 tomatoes can fall prey to pests like aphids, cutworms, and hornworms. They can also contract diseases such as Verticillium, Fusarium, and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.
See Also:Â How to Grow Campari Tomatoes
Conclusion
While this list is not exhaustive, it provides a good starting point for those looking to maximize their tomato yield in Oklahoma’s diverse climate. Remember, successful gardening involves trial and error. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find the ones that best suit your taste and gardening style. Happy gardening!
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