Celebrity Tomato in Zone 9B — Texas

Celebrity Tomato is a winner for Texas gardeners because it delivers reliable yields of tasty, medium-large tomatoes perfect for slicing, salads, and sauces. Its disease resistance makes it especially forgiving, even when our unpredictable Texas weather throws curveballs. Plus, you can squeeze in two tomato seasons here in Zone 9B, maximizing your harvest.

Sure, we face challenges like the brutal Texas heat and occasional drought, but with a little planning, Celebrity Tomato can thrive. Our long growing season – about 308 days – gives you a generous window to get those delicious tomatoes from your garden to your table.

To get a jump start on our early spring, start your Celebrity Tomato seeds indoors in early to late January. This gives them about 6 weeks to get a head start before transplanting. Use seed trays and a good seed-starting mix.

Keep the trays warm (a heat mat helps) and provide plenty of light – a grow light works best. Don't forget to water from the bottom to prevent damping-off. Here in Texas, our springs can warm up fast, so starting early is key to getting a good harvest before the worst of the summer heat hits.

Transplant your Celebrity Tomato seedlings outdoors from mid February through mid March, 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 sunshine and variable temperatures.

Space the plants 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – we can still get some unpredictable freezes that time of year, so be ready to cover your young plants if needed.

Celebrity Tomatoes need consistent moisture, especially during our hot Texas summers. They aren't drought-tolerant, so regular watering is a must for best production. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch – the "finger test."

During the hottest part of the summer, you might need to water every day or every other day, providing about 1-2 inches of water per week. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity. Wilting leaves indicate underwatering, while yellowing leaves can signal overwatering.

Mulching around your tomato plants with straw or shredded leaves helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. This is especially important in Texas, where the sun can really bake the soil.

Celebrity Tomatoes are a determinate variety, meaning they grow to a certain size and then stop. However, they still need support to keep the fruit off the ground. 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 keeps the plant upright and prevents the heavy fruit from weighing it down.

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

Gently twist or clip the tomato from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As our first frost approaches around early December, harvest any remaining green tomatoes and let them ripen indoors. They'll still taste great!

Here are some 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, a common issue with the Texas heat. 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. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizers. Try hand-pollination by gently shaking the plant.

Hornworms

• What it looks like: Large sections of leaves stripped overnight. You'll see large (up to 4 inches) green caterpillars with white diagonal stripes. Also look for dark droppings on the 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, quickly defoliating plants.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick them – they're big and easy to spot (though they blend in well!). Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray is effective and organic. If you see white cocoons on a hornworm, leave it – those are parasitic wasp eggs that will kill the hornworm and produce more beneficial wasps.

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: 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 to prevent soil splash. Water at the base, not overhead. Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning. Copper fungicide can slow the spread. Rotate crops yearly.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat, variable humidity, and unpredictable rainfall in Texas can all stress Celebrity Tomatoes, making them more susceptible to these problems. Consistent watering, proper spacing, and vigilant monitoring are key to keeping your plants healthy and productive.

Companion planting can really boost your Celebrity Tomato crop. Basil is a classic companion because it repels tomato hornworms and improves tomato flavor. Carrots loosen the soil and deter nematodes. Parsley attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests. French marigolds repel nematodes and other soil pests.

Avoid planting brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) near your tomatoes, as they can stunt tomato growth. Fennel inhibits the growth of many plants, including tomatoes. Corn can attract tomato pests like the corn earworm, which can also damage tomato fruit. Planting the right companions can help your Celebrity Tomatoes thrive in our challenging Texas climate.