Celebrity Tomato in Zone 7A — Pacific Northwest

Celebrity Tomato is a fantastic choice for PNW gardens. Its reliable yields, delicious flavor, and versatility in the kitchen make it a rewarding crop, even with our relatively mild summers and cool nights. Imagine slicing into a homegrown Celebrity, bursting with juicy sweetness, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or sauces.

We do face some unique challenges here in the Pacific Northwest, like cool spring soil and the risk of late blight. However, Celebrity's disease resistance and relatively short time to maturity (70 days) mean that with careful timing, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest within our 183-day growing season.

Starting your Celebrity Tomato seeds indoors in mid-March through early April gives them a head start, crucial for our shorter growing season. Aim for about 6 weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix.

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Bottom watering is an excellent technique – set the tray in a shallow pan of water and let the soil soak it up from the bottom. This encourages strong root growth and prevents damping-off. Place the trays in a warm spot, ideally around 70-75°F, and provide plenty of light, either from a sunny window or a grow light. Remember, our overcast spring days can be deceiving, so supplemental lighting often makes a big difference.

Transplant your Celebrity Tomato seedlings outdoors in early May through early June, once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up a bit. Before planting, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Start with an hour or two of shade, increasing the time and sun exposure each day.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in well-drained soil amended with compost. Even in early May, we can get unexpected cool snaps, so consider using row covers or cloches to protect your young plants if the forecast looks chilly.

Celebrity Tomatoes need consistent moisture, especially during our dry summer months. While we don't usually experience the intense heat of other regions, regular watering is essential for healthy growth and abundant fruit production. Don't let them dry out!

A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. Use the "finger test" to check the soil moisture – stick your finger about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases. Overhead watering isn't the best idea with our dry-summer climate, but it's not as risky here as in more humid regions.

Underwatering can lead to blossom end rot and stunted growth, while overwatering can cause root rot. Watch for signs like wilting leaves (underwatering) or yellowing leaves (overwatering). Mulching around your tomato plants with straw or wood chips helps retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds, which is especially helpful given our tendency for dry summers.

Celebrity Tomatoes are determinate, meaning they grow to a certain size and then stop, setting all their fruit at once. While they are not as sprawling as indeterminate varieties, they still benefit from support. Medium-height cages or sturdy stakes work well.

Install the support 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. This will keep the fruit off the ground, improve air circulation, and prevent the plant from collapsing under the weight of the tomatoes.

You can expect your first Celebrity Tomato harvest in mid-July through late August, about 70 days after transplanting. The fruits are ready to pick when they are a deep red color, firm to the touch, and have a slight give when gently squeezed.

To harvest, gently twist the tomato from the vine, leaving the stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Towards mid- October, as our first frost approaches, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They will ripen on a windowsill or in a paper bag with an apple or banana.

Here are some 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. Plant looks healthy but produces no fruit.
• What causes it: Temperature stress is the most common culprit. Our cool nights, especially during spring and early summer, can sometimes cause blossom drop.
• How to fix/prevent it: Be patient! Fruit set will usually resume once the weather stabilizes. Provide afternoon shade during hot spells. Ensure consistent watering. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.

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: These are the larvae of hawk moths, and they can devour your tomato plants quickly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpicking is very effective. Look for them early in the morning or late in the evening. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is also a good option and is safe for organic gardening.

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: This fungal disease thrives in warm, humid conditions. Soil splash spreads the spores.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves immediately. Mulch around the plants to prevent soil splash. Water at the base. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Copper fungicide can help slow the spread.

Pacific Northwest Specific Challenges: While Celebrity is more disease-resistant than some, late blight can still be a concern in our region, especially during wet springs. Be vigilant and monitor your plants closely. Also, remember our cool soil in spring can slow growth, so be patient and consider using row covers to warm the soil before transplanting.

Companion planting can help your Celebrity Tomatoes thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Basil is a classic companion, improving tomato flavor and deterring pests. Carrots are also beneficial, as they help break up the soil and improve drainage. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds are known to repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli), as they can inhibit tomato growth. Fennel is also a bad companion, as it releases chemicals that can stunt the growth of many plants. Corn can block sunlight and compete for nutrients.