Florasette Tomato Care – Tips for growing Florasette Tomatoes

It is difficult to grow tomatoes in a humid climate because most tomatoes prefer a fairly dry climate. If growing tomatoes has been a frustrating exercise, you may have more luck growing Florasette tomatoes. Read on to find out how.

Information about Florasette

Florasette tomato plants, also known as «hot-set» or «heat-set» tomatoes, were originally grown for their increased tolerance to heat, making them an excellent choice for hot or humid climates.

They are also resistant to common tomato diseases including Fusarium wilt, spotted tomato virus and Verticillium wilt. Nematodes also tend to avoid Florasette tomatoes.

Florasette’s tomato plants are determinate, which means that they will stop growing when ripe and the fruit will all ripen at the same time.

When it comes to taste, Florasette tomatoes are versatile, but it is best to eat them fresh.

How to take care of Florasette tomatoes

For growing Florasette tomatoes, install stakes, cages or support trellises at planting time.

Tomatoes need at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day. However, if the weather is extremely hot, Florasette’s tomato plants will perform better with a little shade in the afternoon.

Mulch the soil around Florasette tomato plants to conserve moisture, keep the soil warm, prevent weed growth and prevent water from running off the leaves. Mulch is especially important in warm climates, so be sure to refill it as it decomposes.

Water the Florasette tomato plants with a garden hose or drip irrigation system. Avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves are more susceptible to tomato diseases. Water regularly, especially if you live in a climate where temperatures exceed 90 F. (32 C.) However, avoid over-watering, as too much moisture can cause cracking and also tends to dilute the flavour of the fruit.

Store fertilizer in extremely hot weather; too much fertilizer can weaken plants and make them more vulnerable to damage from pests and diseases.

Prune Florasette tomato plants as needed to eliminate suckers and improve air circulation around the plant. Pruning also encourages the growth of more tomatoes on top of the plant.

If the weather is hot at harvest time, pick the Florasette tomatoes when they are still lightly orange and let them finish ripening in a shady place.