Tomato Varieties to Grow in Utah

Issues Facing Growers

• Temperature extremes and bad weather can plague tomato growers in Utah. Extreme temperatures may lead to loss of or abortion of flowers from your plants. These include nighttime temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temperatures in excess of 95 degrees F. Consistent moisture is needed to prevent cracking of the fruits, so you may need to offer supplemental water for your plants. For better yields, the Utah County Government website suggests double hill planting, where tomato plants are spaced 6 inches apart.

Transplants

• You should use tomato transplants in Utah to take full advantage of the limited growing season; you are safe selecting a tomato variety from a local garden center or nursery, as they usually stock varieties suited to local growing conditions. Northern Utah has a low incidence of powdery mildew, and the disease cannot overwinter in the area, but transplants from other states can reintroduce it each season, according to the Utah State University Cooperative Extension -- another good argument for purchasing locally grown transplants.

High Elevations

• Northern and mountainous areas of the state, such as Summit County, have a shorter growing season than locations in the lower valleys. Growers in these parts of the state should pick varieties that take even less time to mature, such as the early-maturing Oregon Spring, which takes approximately 52 days to mature. Cherry tomatoes such as Presto and Early Girl -- an option for medium-sized fruits -- need only 55 days.

Low Elevations

• Lower valley areas, low-altitude regions and the warmer counties adjacent to Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake experience an earlier start to the growing season and enjoy a longer growing season. If you live in one of these spots, you can plant varieties that take a bit longer to mature. Longkeeper takes 78 days to mature and produces medium-sized fruit. Jet Star takes 72 days and yields larger fruit. High solid tomatoes such as Roma and Royal Chico are also suitable. These require approximately 75 days to mature.

Other Locations

• Growers in "in-between" locations can select from tomatoes such as the 60-day Sweet variety for cherry tomatoes; the medium-sized fruits of Early Cascade, which takes 65 days; or the large-sized fruits of 75-day Pole King and Celebrity or DX52-12, which require 70 days.