Celebrity Tomato in Zone 6B — Pacific Northwest

Celebrity Tomato is a fantastic choice for Pacific Northwest gardens. You'll get reliably tasty, medium-sized tomatoes perfect for slicing, salads, and sauces. The fact that it's so disease resistant, especially against early blight, makes it a winner in our mild, often damp summers.

Our cool springs and short bursts of real heat can be a challenge, but Celebrity's relatively short 70-day maturity means you can absolutely get a good harvest within our 162-day growing season. Careful timing, starting seeds indoors, and providing the right support will set you up for success.

Starting Celebrity Tomato seeds indoors from late March through mid April is key in the PNW. This gives them a head start before our soil warms up. You'll want to sow seeds in seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.

Keep them warm (around 70-75°F) with a heat mat, and provide plenty of light with grow lights, especially with our overcast spring days. Bottom watering can help prevent damping off – just set the tray in water for a bit until the soil surface looks moist.

Remember, spring can be slow to arrive here, so be patient. Don't rush to put them outside before the weather is truly ready.

Transplant your Celebrity Tomato seedlings outdoors from mid May through mid June, after the last frost danger has passed. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade, increasing the time each day.

Space the plants 24-36 inches apart to allow for good air circulation – this is especially important in our climate to help prevent fungal diseases. Keep an eye on the weather forecast; a late cold snap can still happen, so be ready to cover your young plants if needed.

Celebrity Tomatoes need consistent moisture to thrive, but overwatering is just as bad as underwatering, especially in our climate. During our wet springs, you might not need to water much at all. Once the dry summer months hit, though, watering becomes more important.

A good rule of thumb is to check the soil about 2 inches deep – the "finger test." If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our often humid conditions.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and blossom end rot. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A layer of mulch, like straw or wood chips, can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling it right up against the stem.

Because Celebrity Tomatoes are a determinate variety, they don't get as huge as indeterminate types, but they still need support. A medium-height tomato cage works well, or you can use sturdy stakes.

Install the support at planting time to avoid damaging the roots later. As the plant grows, gently guide the stems inside the cage or tie them to the stake with soft twine. This will keep the fruit off the ground and improve air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

You can expect your first Celebrity Tomato harvest from late July through mid September, about 70 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are ready to pick when they're a deep red color, firm to the touch, but with a slight give when you gently squeeze them.

To harvest, simply twist the tomato off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As our first frost approaches around early October, keep a close eye on the weather.

If frost is predicted, harvest any remaining green tomatoes. They can ripen indoors in a paper bag with an apple or banana.

Here are a few common problems you might encounter with Celebrity Tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest:

Blossom Drop

• What it looks like: Flowers fall off without setting fruit. Small fruit yellows and drops.
• What causes it: Temperature stress. Our cool nights or occasional heat waves can disrupt pollination.
• How to fix/prevent it: Be patient – fruit set usually resumes when temperatures moderate. Provide afternoon shade during extreme heat. Ensure consistent watering and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. Large green caterpillars with white stripes.
• What causes it: Hawk moth larvae.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick the hornworms (they're surprisingly easy to spot once you know what to look for). Bt spray is an effective organic solution.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings on lower leaves, spreading upward. Leaves yellow and drop.
• What causes it: Fungal disease that thrives in warm, humid conditions. Soil splash spreads the fungus.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Mulch well to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant. Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Copper fungicide can slow the spread.

Pacific Northwest Specific Challenges: Late blight is a serious concern in our region, though Celebrity is more resistant than some varieties. Cool soil in spring can slow growth, so be sure to wait until the soil has warmed up before transplanting. Our mild summers and dry-summer humidity usually aren't a major issue, but be vigilant for fungal diseases, especially if we have a particularly wet summer.

Companion planting can help your Celebrity Tomatoes thrive. Basil is a great companion because it repels pests and is said to improve the flavor of tomatoes. Carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) because they can stunt tomato growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can also attract pests that affect tomatoes.