Starting early varieties now for late summer picking in 7b?

mamaboog · June 8, 2016

Has anyone done this? I was thinking of maybe ordering some Anna Russian or 55-65 day tomatoes. I know last year we were still getting 90 degree days into September!

Thoughts?

AlittleSalt · June 8, 2016

I've only tried Siberian in a fall garden, but I'm in Texas, and they didn't make it through September. Last year, in October, the soil temperature was still 90F here.

I think you have a better chance in NC.

**Lee** · June 9, 2016

The temps are not the issue, the disease pressure is.
Septoria and early blight are tough to deal with in the hot/humid dog days of July/August.
If you can protect against that, then it may be worth your while.

Good luck!

Lee

mamaboog · June 9, 2016

Lee, do you have any suggestions for this? Or is it just a crapshoot?

And Alittlesalt, I hope so! I want to try Anna Russian so badly. It haunts my dreams!

oakley · June 11, 2016

You could just order a plant, already started and plant now...
Laurel's heirlooms has a few Anna left but you would need to call today.

June 8, 2016	#1
mamaboog Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2016 Location: Piedmont, NC (7b) Posts: 44	Starting early varieties now for late summer picking in 7b? Has anyone done this? I was thinking of maybe ordering some Anna Russian or 55-65 day tomatoes. I know last year we were still getting 90 degree days into September! Thoughts?

June 9, 2016	#3
Lee Tomatopalooza™ Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NC-Zone 7 Posts: 2,188	The temps are not the issue, the disease pressure is. Septoria and early blight are tough to deal with in the hot/humid dog days of July/August. If you can protect against that, then it may be worth your while. Good luck! Lee __________________ Intelligence is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put one in a fruit salad. Cuostralee - The best thing on sliced bread.

June 11, 2016	#5
oakley Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: NewYork 5a Posts: 2,303	You could just order a plant, already started and plant now... Laurel's heirlooms has a few Anna left but you would need to call today. Last edited by oakley; June 11, 2016 at 07:38 AM. Reason: spelling error

June 8, 2016	#2
AlittleSalt BANNED FOR LIFE Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 13,333	I've only tried Siberian in a fall garden, but I'm in Texas, and they didn't make it through September. Last year, in October, the soil temperature was still 90F here. I think you have a better chance in NC.