Hawaiian Tomato Plants

Hawaiian Cultivars

• The University of Hawaii at Manoa's Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences notes that Hawaiian soil holds root-knot nematodes, which decimate tomato plants. The Department recommends FI tomato hybrids and Anahu, Healani, Kalohi, Puunui, Tropic and Floradel cultivars for Hawaii. These hybrids and cultivars demonstrate the best disease resistance in the state's soil.

Site and Space

• Put tomato seeds or seedlings in the garden with temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees F. Young plants do best with warmer temperatures for their start. Plant in spring for summer seasons, and in late fall to maintain mature bushes through the short winter season.

  Choose sites with full sunshine, quick drainage and good circulation for the tomatoes. These plants fail in shade, but they do well with good air movement, which restricts mildew and rot.

Soil and Fertilizer

• Tomatoes require deep, loose, moist and nutritious soil, even when they get the sun they need. Amend natural soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with 4 to 5 inches of rich organic compost or well-rotted manure. The University of Missouri Extension suggests starting tomatoes with 6-24-24 or 8-32-16 granular fertilizer for rooting and establishment.

Care

• The University of Hawaii at Manoa notes that Hawaiian tomatoes do best with 1 inch of water every three to four days before fruit set, and 1 inch of water every two days after fruit set. The University recommends spraying tomatoes with all-purpose tomato spray for insect and disease control, and giving them 10-30-10 or 10-20-20 fertilizer after first fruit set. Follow manufacturer directions in regard to fertilizer application, and continue with feedings every two weeks after the first harvest.

Harvest

• In warm, frost-free zones like Hawaii, harvest tomatoes based on their maturity dates and readiness rather than coming frost. Pick tomatoes when they're fully ripe, and harvest from the plants two to three times a week.