What is a Tropic Tomato?
Although tomato plants require lots of daily direct sunshine to produce America’s favorite garden crop, many cultivars don’t appreciate very hot, humid weather. But the tomato ‘Tropic’ variety succeeds where others fail. This tomato variety was developed by the University of Florida and its claim to fame is its ability to thrive in regions with “tropical” weather. When gardeners in hot, humid areas plant tomatoes, their hopes are often dashed by tomato blight, a fungal disease that strikes plants when the weather is hot and wet. The tomato ‘Tropic’ plant is exceptionally disease-resistant, and excellent for areas where blight is an issue.
Growing Tropic Tomatoes
If you are thinking of growing Tropic tomatoes, you’ll be happy to know that the fruit of this plant is beautiful and delicious. Mature fruit weighs in at 0.5 pounds (0.25 kilograms) or more and has a rich, tomato taste. This variety works well in almost any role, in your garden, your greenhouse or as a market tomato. The plant is indeterminate and rises to 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall. As fruit ripens, it turns a deep red with green shoulders. The tomatoes are round with thick walls and a great, sweet flavor.
Tropic Tomato Care
Given its disease resistance, Tropic tomato care requires no more effort than other tomato varieties. That means you must grow the plants in an area with at least 6 hours of direct sun and organically rich, well-draining soil. Of course, irrigation is an important part of Tropic tomato care. Like all tomato plants, tomato Tropic requires regular water to produce juicy fruit. You’ll want to plant these tomatoes in spring for a mid-to-late season crop. Count on a harvest in 80 to 85 days.
