Celebrity Tomato in Zone 7B — Southeast

Celebrity Tomato is a popular choice here in the Southeast for good reason. It’s a reliable producer of medium-large, flavorful tomatoes that are perfect for slicing, salads, and sauces. Plus, its disease resistance makes it a winner even in our humid climate, giving you a satisfying harvest from mid-summer well into fall.

Sure, we face challenges like hot, humid summers and fungal diseases. But with a long growing season of around 235 days, we have plenty of time to get Celebrity Tomatoes off to a great start and enjoy a bountiful harvest before the first frost. Timing is key, and we’ll walk you through it.

Starting your Celebrity Tomato seeds indoors is the way to go in the Southeast. Aim to sow your seeds from mid-February through early March. This gives you about 6 weeks to get those seedlings strong before transplanting.

You'll need seed trays or small pots, a good seed-starting mix, and a warm, bright location. A heat mat helps with germination. Once the seeds sprout, provide plenty of light – a grow light works wonders. Don't forget to water from the bottom to avoid damping-off, a common problem in our moderately humid springs.

Transplant your Celebrity Tomato seedlings outdoors from early April through early May, after the last expected frost. Before planting, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. This helps them adjust to the sun and wind.

Space the plants 24-36 inches apart to allow for good air circulation, which is crucial for preventing fungal diseases in our humid climate. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – a late cold snap can still happen in the early spring here.

Consistent watering is crucial for Celebrity Tomatoes, especially with our hot, humid summers. They aren’t drought-tolerant, so don't let them dry out. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

During the hotter parts of the summer, this might mean watering every other day, or even daily if we aren’t getting our typical afternoon thunderstorms. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid climate.

If the leaves start to wilt or turn yellow, you're likely underwatering. If the leaves are yellowing and the plant seems waterlogged, you might be overwatering. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pine straw or shredded bark are good choices for our clay soil.

Celebrity Tomatoes have a determinate growth habit, meaning they grow to a certain size and then stop. But they still need support, especially when loaded with fruit. Cages or stakes work well.

Install your support system at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. Since Celebrity Tomatoes are semi-determinate, medium-height cages are usually sufficient. As the plant grows, gently guide the stems into the cage for support.

You can expect your first Celebrity Tomato harvest from mid-June through late July. These tomatoes are ready to pick when they are a deep red color, firm to the touch, but with a slight give when gently squeezed. With their excellent disease resistance, you should have a good harvest.

To harvest, gently twist or cut the tomato from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As we approach the first frost in early November, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll continue to ripen on a windowsill.

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

Blossom Drop

• What it looks like: Flowers fall off the plant without setting fruit. Small fruit turns yellow and drops. The plant itself looks healthy, but no tomatoes are forming.
• What causes it: Temperature stress is the main culprit. Our hot days and warm nights during the summer can prevent fruit set. Low humidity, excess nitrogen, or poor pollination can also contribute.
• How to fix/prevent it: Be patient! Fruit set usually resumes when temperatures moderate. Provide afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day. Keep plants well-watered, but avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. Try hand-pollinating by gently shaking the flower clusters.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves are stripped overnight. You might find large (up to 4 inches) green caterpillars with white diagonal stripes on their bodies. Look for dark droppings on the leaves below.
• What causes it: These are the larvae of hawk moths. They lay their eggs on tomato family plants, and the caterpillars are voracious eaters.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpicking is the easiest solution – they're big and easy to spot (once you see them!). Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is an effective organic control. If you see a hornworm with white cocoons on its back, leave it alone – those are beneficial parasitic wasp eggs.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (a target or bullseye pattern) appear on the lower leaves first and gradually spread upward. Affected leaves will yellow and eventually drop off.
• What causes it: Early blight is a fungal disease (Alternaria solani) that thrives in our warm, humid conditions. It spreads via soil splash onto the lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy any affected leaves (don't compost them). Mulch around the base of the plant to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning if necessary. Copper fungicide can help slow the spread. Rotate your crops yearly.

Southeast Specific Challenges: Our hot, humid summers and frequent rainfall create the perfect environment for fungal diseases like early blight. The humidity also makes blossom drop more likely during the hottest months. Keeping plants well-spaced, mulching, and watering at the base are all important strategies for success with Celebrity Tomatoes in the Southeast.

Companion planting can give your Celebrity Tomatoes a boost. Basil is a great choice because it repels tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Carrots improve the soil around tomatoes and deter nematodes. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds also deter nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage, broccoli, and kale) near tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can attract tomato pests like the corn earworm, which can also damage tomatoes.