Is it Best to Plant Tomatoes Early in Hot Climates?

Optimal Temperature

• As a general rule, tomatoes have fairly specific preferences regarding temperature. They grow best at a daytime temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 to 70 degrees through the night. Once temperatures get higher than this, tomatoes need exorbitantly larger amounts of water to beat the heat and will invariably provide less of a crop. Fortunately, many tomato breeds have been developed that can tolerate heat and drought better than traditional varieties.

Pests and Disease

• There are other reasons to plant tomatoes earlier in the season in warmer climates that correlate more indirectly with the temperature. As a result of seasonal warmth, southern climates tend to have a larger array of pests and diseases than other areas of the country, and these pests tend to come out earlier in the year. Tomatoes are especially prone to pests when they are young and still developing, so it's a good idea to plant tomatoes before the insects make their way out en masse. This way, by the time the pests are out in full force, tomato plants are able to easily fight off what could have killed them when they were younger.

When To Plant

• There are a variety of areas in the United States that could be considered warm climates; and as a result, there is no one specific time to plant. Planting time for tomatoes in warm climates varies between early March and mid to late April. As a general rule, it is best to plant tomatoes as soon as possible after the last frost; or if there is no frost, early March should be fine.

Fall Planting

• Despite having to beat the heat and fend off insects to have a successful summer tomato crop in a warm climate, there is one great advantage to growing tomatoes in a hot place: You get two growing seasons. Whereas in more temperate climates there is little chance of successfully growing tomatoes in the fall, it is easier in warmer climates to grow tomatoes in the fall than in the summer. Plant once early and again near the end of August to get two tomato harvests.