Celebrity Tomato in Zone 8B — Texas

Celebrity tomatoes are a classic for a reason, and they really shine in Texas gardens. You'll get reliable yields of flavorful, medium-large fruits perfect for slicing, salads, and sauces. Plus, their disease resistance is a huge plus, making them a relatively low-fuss option even with our unpredictable weather.

Sure, Texas throws some curveballs our way – from the brutal Texas heat to the occasional late freeze. But with our long 273-day growing season and by getting a jump start indoors, you can easily harvest a great crop of Celebrity tomatoes before the worst of the summer heat hits.

To get a head start on our two tomato seasons, start your Celebrity tomato seeds indoors from late January through mid February. This gives them about 6 weeks to develop before transplanting. You'll want to sow your seeds in seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the trays in a warm spot, around 70-75°F, and provide plenty of light – a grow light works great, or a sunny windowsill will do. Remember we often have early warmth in spring, so starting early is worth it. Water gently from the bottom to avoid damping off and promote strong root growth.

Bottom watering is especially important in our variable humidity, as it keeps the foliage dry and helps prevent fungal issues later on.

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

Space your plants 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. At transplant time, we can still get some unexpected cool snaps, so be ready to cover your young plants if a freeze is predicted.

Consistent watering is key to getting a good harvest of Celebrity tomatoes in our Texas climate. They aren't drought-tolerant, so you'll need to keep an eye on them, especially during the hot summer months.

During the spring, aim to water deeply about once a week, providing around 1-2 inches of water. When the Texas heat cranks up, you might need to water every other day, or even daily, to keep the soil consistently moist. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil – if it feels dry, it's time to water. Watering at the base of the plant is best, but with Celebrity’s disease resistance, overhead watering isn't the end of the world if that's easier for you.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry, cracked fruit. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. A good layer of mulch, like shredded bark or straw, will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Celebrity tomatoes are a determinate variety, meaning they grow to a certain size and then stop, setting all their fruit at once. But they can still get pretty hefty, so providing support is a good idea.

Medium-height cages work great for Celebrity tomatoes. Install the cages at planting time to avoid disturbing the roots later. You can also use stakes, tying the main stem to the stake as it grows. Training the plant to stay within the support structure will help prevent the fruit from weighing down the branches and breaking them.

You can expect your first harvest of Celebrity tomatoes from mid May through early July, about 70 days after transplanting. The fruits 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 fruit off the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Celebrity tomatoes are continuous producers, so keep picking them as they ripen to encourage more fruit set. As we approach our first frost in late 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 Texas:

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 is the main culprit. Tomatoes don't set fruit well when nights stay above 75°F or days exceed 95°F. 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 extreme heat. Keep plants well-watered, but avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen. You can also try hand-pollination by gently shaking the flowers.

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. The moths lay their eggs on tomato family plants, and the caterpillars feed voraciously.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpicking is very effective. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is a safe and organic option. If you see hornworms with white cocoons on their backs, leave them alone – those are parasitic wasp eggs that will kill the hornworm and release beneficial wasps into your garden.

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 is a fungal disease (Alternaria solani) that thrives in warm, humid conditions. It spreads via soil splash onto lower leaves.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove and destroy affected leaves (don't compost them). Mulch around the plants to prevent soil splash. Water at the base of the plant, not overhead. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning. Copper fungicide can help slow the spread. Rotate your crops yearly.

Texas Specific Challenges: The extreme heat in our summers can lead to blossom drop, even in disease-resistant varieties like Celebrity. Variable humidity can also create conditions favorable for fungal diseases. And, of course, fire ants can be a nuisance, so keep an eye out for their mounds and treat them as needed.

Companion planting can give your Celebrity tomatoes a boost in the Texas garden. Basil is a classic companion, improving flavor and repelling pests. Carrots and parsley attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds are also great for repelling nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near tomatoes, as they can stunt their growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, so it's best to keep it away from your tomatoes. Corn can also compete with tomatoes for nutrients and sunlight.