Very Hot, Very Humid

[Slackbridge]

Hello all,

I'm canvassing opinion on the which heirlooms might do best in south-west florida. I realise, of course, that planting begins in November here, but it will still be hot and humid (summer is simply too hot to grow 'em). I've grown in Texas and in Europe too, but this area could be the most challenging yet. I'd be grateful for your opinions.

Cheers
Slack

[barkeater]

Hi Slack,

Welcome to T-Ville. I lived in Ft. Myers in 2000-2001, which just happened to be the same time there was a big freeze. From what I remember, tomatoes were set out from mid October on, and the biggest concern for inground plants were nematodes.

Because it does get down into the low 40's and upper 30's in winter, and the sun isn't very strong until mid February, the earlier more cold tolerant varieties were planted. I think later plantings in December are when the big late beefsteak types are set out for April harvest. Hope that helps.

[oc tony]

There is a Florida growers thread on here with over 300 posts on it, if you search for it. it should be helpful to you.

[Slackbridge]

Thank ye for the comments

[b54red]

I am in the same boat looking for heirlooms that can survive and thrive in our relentless heat and humidity with the diseases that accompany them. I had good luck with Marianna's Peace this year. Paul Robeson did fair with one of three plants surviving and producing well. I have been poring over the posts on this site in search of that elusive tomato. Good Luck!

[RJ_Hythloday]

B54,

I'm in VA, not quite your weather, but does get hot and humid. Marianna's peace did very well for me also. Black from Tula is plugging along quite nicely, and it's my favorite for taste, Vinson Watts is also very big and prolific, w/ nice sized and tasty maters. Every thing I've planted has really done well for size and health of plants, setting fruit etc... ('cept Old German). Best thing to do would be just plant out some tomatoes and keep a record of what does well for you.

[b54red]

I have Vinson Watts on my list to do a little more research on and find out if it has a chance here in LA. Since you've used it can you tell me how it holds up against disease. Most tomatoes down here are going to get various blights unless we have an unusually dry summer with lower humidity. Does it plug along and continue to produce after the blights hit? Does it continue to set fruit when temps get near 100? Thanks for any further info you can provide.

[RJ_Hythloday]

Mine set fruit all summer, never had more than a handful of days over 95 though. Lots of rain, now at the end of the season it does have some branches that are looking a bit brownish, but also lots of new growth still that's as healthy as early spring.