Celebrity Tomato in Zone 6A — Great Plains

Celebrity Tomato is a reliable choice for Plains gardeners. Its disease resistance helps it thrive even with our variable rainfall, and the delicious, medium-large fruits are perfect for slicing, salads, or canning. You'll get real satisfaction from harvesting armfuls of these beauties from your own backyard, even with our intense summer sun.

Our region's extreme temperature swings and occasional hail can be tough on tomatoes, but Celebrity's relatively short 70-day maturity means you can get a good harvest within our 188-day growing season. Starting seeds indoors at the right time gives you a head start, making it possible to enjoy homegrown tomatoes despite the Plains' challenges.

Start your Celebrity Tomato seeds indoors from mid-March through early April. This gives them about six weeks to get a jump start before transplanting outdoors. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Bottom watering is a great way to avoid damping off – just set the tray in a shallow pan of water and let the soil soak it up. Place the trays in a warm spot (around 70-75°F) and provide plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light. Our Plains springs are known for temperature swings, so watch the thermostat and adjust your setup as needed to keep those seedlings happy.

Transplant your Celebrity Tomato seedlings outdoors from late April through late May, after the risk of frost has passed. Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of indirect sunlight and increase the time each day.

Plant your seedlings 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole deep enough to bury the stem up to the first set of leaves – this encourages stronger root growth. Be mindful of potential late frosts or hail this time of year, and be ready to cover your young plants if needed.

Celebrity Tomatoes need consistent moisture to produce their best fruit, but overwatering can be just as bad as underwatering, especially with our low-to-moderate humidity. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time, depending on rainfall. Use the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water.

During the hottest part of the summer, when temperatures are regularly hitting the low 90s, you may need to water more frequently. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage disease. Overhead watering isn't the end of the world here given our humidity, but it's best to avoid it.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and root rot. Adding a layer of mulch around your plants will help retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is crucial with our variable rainfall.

Celebrity Tomato is a determinate variety, meaning it grows to a certain size and then sets all its fruit at once. While not as sprawling as indeterminate types, it still benefits from support. Medium-height cages or sturdy stakes work well.

Install your chosen support system at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. As the plant grows, gently guide the stems through the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine. Wind protection is essential in the Plains, so make sure your supports are firmly anchored to withstand strong gusts.

You can expect your first Celebrity Tomato harvest from early July through late August, about 70 days after transplanting. Look for medium-large, red fruits that are firm with a slight give when gently squeezed.

To harvest, simply twist the fruit off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the first frost approaches in mid-October, harvest any remaining mature green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen best in a single layer, not touching.

Here are three common problems you might encounter with Celebrity Tomatoes in the Great Plains:

Blossom Drop

• What it looks like: Flowers fall off without setting fruit. Small fruit yellows and drops. The plant looks healthy but produces no fruit.
• What causes it: Temperature stress. The Plains' extreme temperature swings, especially hot days and nights, can prevent fruit set. Low humidity and poor pollination can also contribute.
• How to fix/prevent it: Be patient – fruit set usually resumes when temperatures moderate. Provide afternoon shade during extreme heat. Keep plants well-watered. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer. Try hand-pollination by gently shaking the plant or using a small brush to transfer pollen.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. Large (up to 4 inches) green caterpillars with white diagonal stripes. Dark droppings on leaves below.
• What causes it: Larvae of hawk moths. Eggs are laid on tomato family plants. The caterpillars feed voraciously and can defoliate plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms (they don't bite) and drop them in soapy water. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is effective and organic. If you see white cocoons on a hornworm, leave it – those are parasitic wasp eggs that will kill it and produce more beneficial wasps.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (target or bullseye pattern) on lower leaves first, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: Fungal disease (Alternaria solani) that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Spreads via soil splash onto lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves (don't compost them). Mulch to prevent soil splash. Water at the base, not overhead. Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning. Copper fungicide can slow the spread. Rotate crops yearly.

Great Plains Specific Challenges: The combination of hot summer heat, low-to-moderate humidity, and variable rainfall in the Great Plains can create challenges for Celebrity Tomatoes. Consistent watering is crucial to prevent blossom drop and ensure good fruit production. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, while good air circulation and disease prevention strategies are essential to combat fungal diseases like early blight.

Good companions for Celebrity Tomato include basil, carrots, parsley, and French marigolds. Basil is said to improve tomato flavor and repel pests, while carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects. French marigolds are known to deter nematodes in the soil.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli), fennel, or corn. Brassicas can stunt tomato growth, fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, and corn can attract pests that also affect tomatoes.