The 10 Best Tomatoes To Grow In Arkansas

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best tomatoes to grow in Arkansas! As a gardening expert with specific knowledge of tomato cultivation, I am delighted to share valuable insights and recommendations tailored specifically for the unique climate and growing conditions of Arkansas. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner, this article will provide you with all the information you need to select the perfect tomato varieties that thrive in the Natural State. From the luscious heirlooms to the reliable hybrids, we will explore the top choices that will ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious, juicy tomatoes in your Arkansas garden. So, let’s dig in and discover the best tomatoes to grow in Arkansas!

The best tomatoes to grow in Arkansas

When it comes to growing tomatoes in Arkansas, it is essential to choose the right varieties that can thrive in the state’s unique climate and growing conditions. The following ten tomato varieties are considered the best tomatoes to grow in Arkansas:

1. Arkansas Traveler: This variety is a local favorite, known for its ability to withstand the hot and humid Arkansas summers. It produces medium-sized, pink fruits with excellent flavor.
2. Celebrity: A widely popular variety, Celebrity is highly resistant to diseases commonly found in Arkansas, such as fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt. It yields large, flavorful tomatoes.
3. Better Boy: Another disease-resistant variety, Better Boy is known for its high productivity and exceptional taste. It produces large, juicy fruits that are perfect for slicing.
4. Mountain Fresh Plus: This variety is well-suited for Arkansas’s hot and humid conditions. It has excellent disease resistance and produces large, flavorful tomatoes.
5. Arkansas Traveler Pink: A pink-fruited version of the Arkansas Traveler, this variety offers the same heat tolerance and disease resistance, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
6. Rutgers: Known for its exceptional flavor, Rutgers is a versatile variety that performs well in Arkansas. It produces medium-sized, deep red tomatoes that are perfect for slicing or canning.
7. Cherokee Purple: This heirloom variety is highly sought after for its unique, rich flavor. Cherokee Purple tomatoes are large, with a dusky purple skin and a vibrant, juicy interior.
8. Big Beef: As the name suggests, this variety produces large, meaty tomatoes that are perfect for sandwiches and burgers. It is disease-resistant and performs well in Arkansas’s climate.
9. Sun Gold: If you’re looking for a cherry tomato variety, Sun Gold is a top choice for Arkansas gardeners. It offers an explosion of sweet, golden-orange fruits and is highly productive.
10. Yellow Pear: This heirloom variety produces small, pear-shaped tomatoes with a vibrant yellow color. Yellow Pear tomatoes are sweet and tangy, making them a delightful addition to salads and snacks.

By selecting from these tomatoes to grow in Arkansas, you can ensure a successful and bountiful harvest, regardless of the challenges posed by the state’s climate and growing conditions.

Avoid growing these tomatoes in Arkansas

When it comes to growing tomatoes in Arkansas, it is important to choose varieties that are well-suited to the climate and growing conditions of the region. While there are many excellent tomato varieties available, there are also some that may not perform as well in Arkansas. Here are ten tomato varieties that are best avoided in Arkansas:

1. Beefsteak: While beefsteak tomatoes are known for their large size and juicy flesh, they tend to struggle in the hot and humid climate of Arkansas. They are also more prone to diseases such as fungal infections.
2. Brandywine: Brandywine tomatoes are beloved for their rich flavor, but they are not the best choice for Arkansas. They are late-maturing and may not have enough time to ripen fully before the first frost.
3. Black Krim: This heirloom variety has a unique dark color and excellent taste, but it can be challenging to grow in Arkansas due to its susceptibility to diseases and cracking.
4. Cherokee Purple: Another popular heirloom variety, Cherokee Purple, can be a bit finicky in Arkansas. It requires a longer growing season and may struggle to produce ripe fruit before the cooler fall temperatures arrive.
5. Green Zebra: While Green Zebra tomatoes have a distinctive appearance and tangy flavor, they may not thrive in the hot and humid conditions of Arkansas. They can be more susceptible to diseases and may not set fruit well in high temperatures.
6. Mortgage Lifter: Despite its interesting history and large fruit size, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes may not be the best choice for Arkansas gardeners. They are late-maturing and may struggle to produce ripe fruit before the end of the growing season.
7. San Marzano: San Marzano tomatoes are highly prized for their use in sauces and canning, but they are not the ideal choice for Arkansas. They are indeterminate varieties that require a longer growing season and may not reach their full potential in the state.
8. Yellow Pear: While Yellow Pear tomatoes are visually appealing and have a sweet flavor, they may not perform well in Arkansas. They can be more susceptible to diseases and may not set fruit as abundantly in the hot and humid climate.
9. Roma: Roma tomatoes are commonly used for sauces and canning, but they may not be the best choice for Arkansas gardeners. They are determinate varieties that require a longer growing season to produce a bountiful harvest.
10. Big Boy: While Big Boy tomatoes are known for their large size and good flavor, they may struggle in the hot and humid conditions of Arkansas. They can be more prone to diseases and cracking, making them a less ideal choice for the region.

When selecting tomato varieties for your Arkansas garden, it is crucial to choose those that are well-adapted to the local climate and growing conditions. By avoiding these varieties that may not perform as well in Arkansas, you can increase your chances of a successful tomato harvest.

Tips for growing tomatoes

When it comes to growing tomatoes in Arkansas, it is essential to choose the best varieties that are well-suited to the state’s climate and growing conditions. By selecting the right tomato varieties, you can ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. Here are some tips and best practices for growing the best tomatoes in Arkansas:

1. Choose heat-tolerant varieties: Arkansas experiences hot and humid summers, which can be challenging for some tomato plants. Opt for heat-tolerant varieties such as Arkansas Traveler, Celebrity, or Heatwave II. These varieties are known for their ability to withstand high temperatures and still produce excellent fruit.
2. Consider disease resistance: Tomato plants in Arkansas are susceptible to various diseases, including early blight, late blight, and fusarium wilt. To minimize the risk of disease, select tomato varieties that have resistance to these common diseases. Some disease-resistant varieties suitable for Arkansas include Mountain Merit, Iron Lady, and Defiant.
3. Start seeds indoors: To get a head start on the growing season, start tomato seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. This allows the plants to establish a strong root system before transplanting them outdoors. Use a good-quality seed starting mix and provide adequate light, warmth, and moisture for healthy seedling development.
4. Provide proper spacing: Tomatoes need enough space to grow and receive adequate airflow, which helps prevent diseases. When planting tomato seedlings outdoors, space them at least 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This spacing allows the plants to receive ample sunlight and reduces the risk of fungal infections.
5. Mulch and water properly: Mulching around tomato plants helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plants, leaving a small gap to prevent stem rot. Additionally, tomatoes require consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply and evenly, aiming for about 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
6. Provide support: Most tomato varieties benefit from some form of support to keep the plants upright and prevent sprawling. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support the plants as they grow. This helps improve air circulation, reduces the risk of diseases, and makes harvesting easier.
7. Regularly fertilize: Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Prior to planting, incorporate well-rotted compost or organic matter into the soil. Once the plants start producing fruit, apply a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers, as they can result in lush foliage but fewer fruits.

By following these tips and selecting the best tomatoes to grow in Arkansas, you can enjoy a successful tomato harvest. Experiment with different varieties and techniques to find what works best for your specific growing conditions and preferences. Happy gardening!