Celebrity Tomato in Zone 7B — Texas

Celebrity Tomato is a fantastic choice for Texas gardeners because of its reliable flavor and versatility. You'll love its classic tomato taste in everything from sandwiches to sauces. Plus, its disease resistance means you'll actually get to enjoy that harvest, even with our unpredictable weather.

Now, we all know gardening in Texas comes with its challenges: the brutal Texas heat, unpredictable rainfall, and the occasional late freeze. But with its relatively short 70-day maturity and our long 255-day growing season, you can easily get two tomato seasons in, making Celebrity Tomato a rewarding and manageable choice for your garden.

To get a jump start on the season, start your Celebrity Tomato seeds indoors in early to late February, about six weeks before you plan to transplant them outside. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist – bottom watering works great to prevent damping off.

Place the trays in a warm spot, ideally around 70-75°F, and provide plenty of light. A sunny windowsill might work if it's bright enough, but a grow light will give you more consistent results. Remember, we often get an early warmth in Texas, so starting indoors gives you a head start without risking frost damage.

Transplant your Celebrity Tomato seedlings outdoors in late March through late April, after the last expected frost. 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, then slowly increase the time and sun exposure each day.

Plant them 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Be prepared for temperature swings this time of year; a sudden cool snap isn't uncommon. Use water wisely, particularly if we're in a dry spell.

Consistent watering is crucial for Celebrity Tomato, especially during our hot Texas summers. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall. Use the finger test: stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Water deeply at the base of the plant, rather than overhead, to help prevent fungal diseases, which can be a problem with our variable humidity. In the Texas heat, you might need to water more frequently, especially during extended dry periods. Pay attention to your plants!

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A good layer of mulch around your plants will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Just be mindful of fire ants when you're mulching.

Celebrity Tomato is a determinate variety, meaning it grows to a certain size and then stops, but it still benefits from support. Because it's semi-determinate, medium-height cages work well. You can also use stakes if you prefer.

Install your chosen support system at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. Gently tie the main stem to the stake as it grows, or guide the plant into the cage. This keeps the fruit off the ground, improves air circulation, and makes harvesting easier.

You can expect your first Celebrity Tomato harvest from early June through late July, 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 gently squeezed. Excellent disease resistance means you'll see a lot of fruit.

Gently twist or snip the tomato from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As mid- November approaches and the first frost threatens, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and bring them indoors to ripen. They'll ripen on a windowsill in a few days.

Here are three common problems you might encounter with Celebrity Tomato in Texas:

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 produces little to no tomatoes.
• What causes it: Temperature stress is the main culprit. In Texas, this often happens when nighttime temperatures stay above 75°F or daytime temperatures exceed 95°F. Low humidity, excess nitrogen, or poor pollination can also contribute.
• How to fix/prevent it: Be patient! Fruit set will resume when temperatures moderate. Provide afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day. Keep plants well-watered, but avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. You can also 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 are stripped overnight. You might find large (up to 4 inches) green caterpillars with white diagonal stripes. Also look for dark droppings on the leaves below.
• What causes it: Hornworms are the larvae of hawk moths. They lay their eggs on tomato plants, and the caterpillars feed voraciously.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpicking is very effective – they don't bite! Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is an organic option that targets caterpillars. If you see a hornworm with white cocoons on its back, leave it alone! Those are parasitic wasp eggs, which will kill the hornworm and release beneficial wasps into your garden.

Early Blight

• What it looks like: Brown spots with concentric rings (a target or bullseye pattern) appear on the lower leaves first, then spread upward. Affected leaves turn yellow and eventually drop off.
• What causes it: Early blight is a fungal disease (Alternaria solani) that thrives in warm, humid conditions. It spreads via soil splash onto the lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy any affected leaves immediately (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 of the disease. Rotate your crops each year.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat of our summers, coupled with variable humidity and unpredictable rainfall, makes Celebrity Tomato susceptible to blossom drop, fungal diseases, and increased pest pressure. Consistent monitoring and proactive measures like proper watering, mulching, and pest control are key to a successful harvest.

Basil is a fantastic companion for Celebrity Tomato, as it repels pests like tomato hornworms and whiteflies. Plus, it improves the flavor of your tomatoes! Carrots also make good neighbors, as they help to loosen the soil and deter root-knot nematodes. Parsley attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs, which prey on aphids and other pests. French marigolds repel nematodes and other soil pests, keeping your tomato plants healthy.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower) near your tomatoes, as they can stunt tomato growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes, so keep it far away. Corn can attract pests that also affect tomatoes, and it can also shade your tomato plants, reducing their yield.