Wyoming’s short growing season and cool nights demand tomato varieties that set fruit quickly. If you want a successful harvest, you need the best tomatoes to grow in wyoming that can handle frost, wind, and unpredictable weather. This guide covers top-performing cultivars, planting tips, and care strategies for your high-altitude garden.
Best Tomatoes To Grow In Wyoming
Tomatoes need warmth, but Wyoming gives you cold springs and early falls. The key is choosing determinate or semi-determinate varieties that mature in 60 to 75 days. Indeterminate types can work if you use season extenders, but they require more care. Below are the top picks for reliable yields in the Cowboy State.
Early Maturing Varieties For Short Seasons
Early tomatoes ripen before frost hits. These are your safest bet for Wyoming gardens.
- Sub Arctic Plenty – Matures in 45–50 days. Small red fruits, very cold tolerant.
- Glacier – Ready in 55 days. Produces sweet, medium-sized tomatoes even in cool weather.
- Stupice – 60 days to harvest. Czech heirloom with excellent flavor, sets fruit in cool temps.
- Oregon Spring – 58 days. Large, meaty fruits, bred for Pacific Northwest but works great in Wyoming.
- Early Girl – 62 days. Classic slicer, reliable in short seasons.
Cold Tolerant And Frost Hardy Tomatoes
Wyoming nights can dip below 50°F even in summer. These varieties handle temperature swings better than most.
- Legend – 68 days. Large red fruits, resists cracking and late blight.
- Manitoba – 65 days. Developed in Canada, thrives in cool climates.
- Northern Lights – 70 days. Bicolor yellow and red, sweet flavor, sets fruit in cool conditions.
- Prairie Fire – 72 days. Medium-sized, disease resistant, good for high altitudes.
Cherry And Salad Tomatoes For Wyoming
Small tomatoes ripen faster and produce more fruit per plant. They are ideal for beginners or windy sites.
- Sweet 100 – 65 days. Prolific cherry tomato, sweet and tangy.
- Sun Gold – 65 days. Orange cherry tomato, very sweet, sets fruit even in cool weather.
- Yellow Pear – 70 days. Heirloom, mild flavor, good for salads.
- Black Cherry – 75 days. Rich, complex flavor, dark purple skin.
Determinate Vs Indeterminate In Wyoming
Determinate tomatoes grow to a fixed size and ripen all at once. They are best for short seasons because you get a concentrated harvest before frost. Indeterminate tomatoes keep growing and fruiting until killed by frost. They need staking and more heat.
For Wyoming, determinate varieties are generally more reliable. But if you use row covers or a greenhouse, indeterminate types can work. Examples of determinate for Wyoming: Roma, Celebrity, Bush Early Girl. Indeterminate that can succeed: Brandywine (needs heat), Cherokee Purple (use black plastic mulch).
How To Grow Tomatoes Successfully In Wyoming
Start Seeds Indoors
Wyoming’s last frost date varies from late May to mid-June. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before that. Use a seed starting mix and keep soil at 70–75°F. Provide 14–16 hours of light daily. Harden off seedlings gradually over a week before transplanting.
Choose The Right Planting Site
Tomatoes need full sun, at least 8 hours per day. Protect them from strong winds with a fence or windbreak. Raised beds warm up faster in spring and improve drainage. Avoid low spots where cold air settles.
Use Season Extenders
Wyoming’s cool nights can stunt growth. Use these tools to extend your season:
- Black plastic mulch – Warms soil by 5–10°F, reduces weeds.
- Row covers – Protect from frost and wind, add 5–10°F of warmth.
- Wall O’ Water – Individual plant protectors that hold heat.
- Cold frames – Great for hardening off or early planting.
Planting Depth And Spacing
Plant tomatoes deep, burying the stem up to the first set of true leaves. Roots will form along the buried stem, creating a stronger plant. Space determinate varieties 18–24 inches apart, indeterminate 24–36 inches apart. Water deeply at planting time.
Watering And Fertilizing
Tomatoes need consistent moisture, about 1–2 inches per week. Water at the base to avoid leaf diseases. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Fertilize with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting, then switch to a low-nitrogen formula (5-10-10) when fruits set. Avoid too much nitrogen, which causes lush leaves but few fruits.
Pruning And Staking
Indeterminate tomatoes need staking or caging. Use sturdy stakes 6 feet tall or tomato cages. Prune suckers (the shoots between main stem and branches) to improve air flow and focus energy on fruit. Determinate tomatoes need minimal pruning, just remove lower leaves to prevent soil splash.
Deal With Wyoming Pests And Diseases
Common issues include:
- Blossom end rot – Caused by uneven watering. Mulch and water consistently.
- Late blight – Fungal disease, avoid overhead watering, use resistant varieties.
- Aphids – Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms – Place collars around stems at planting.
Top 5 Tomato Varieties For Wyoming Gardens
Based on grower feedback and extension service recommendations, these five are the most reliable:
- Sub Arctic Plenty – Earliest, sets fruit in cool temps, good for short seasons.
- Glacier – Sweet, medium fruits, cold tolerant.
- Legend – Large, disease resistant, good for fresh eating.
- Stupice – Heirloom flavor, productive in cool weather.
- Oregon Spring – Large fruits, early, handles temperature swings.
When To Plant Tomatoes In Wyoming
Wait until soil temperature reaches 60°F at 4 inches deep. Use a soil thermometer. In most Wyoming areas, that’s late May to early June. Check your local frost dates. For Laramie, Cheyenne, or Casper, aim for June 1–10. For lower elevations like Cody or Powell, late May may work.
If you plant too early, cold soil stunts growth and invites disease. Better to wait a week than risk losing plants.
Extending The Harvest In Wyoming
You can get tomatoes into September or even October with these methods:
- Use row covers at night when temps drop below 50°F.
- Pick green tomatoes before frost and ripen indoors. Place them in a paper bag with a ripe banana.
- Build a low tunnel with PVC hoops and clear plastic. This adds 4–6 weeks to your season.
- Grow in containers that you can move indoors or into a garage on cold nights.
Common Mistakes Wyoming Gardeners Make
Avoid these errors for better yields:
- Planting too early – Cold soil kills roots. Wait for warmth.
- Overwatering – Wyoming’s clay soils hold water, leading to root rot.
- Ignoring wind – Wind dries plants and breaks stems. Use windbreaks.
- Choosing late varieties – Stick with 60–75 day maturity.
- Skipping soil test – Wyoming soils often lack organic matter. Amend with compost.
Best Tomatoes To Grow In Wyoming For Containers
If you have limited space or want mobility, try these compact varieties:
- Tiny Tim – 55 days, dwarf cherry tomato, perfect for pots.
- Patio Princess – 60 days, determinate, good for 5-gallon pots.
- Bushsteak – 65 days, produces medium-sized fruits in containers.
- Red Robin – 55 days, very small plant, ideal for windowsills.
Heirloom Tomatoes For Wyoming
Heirlooms often have superior flavor but need more heat. These can work with extra care:
- Brandywine – 80 days, needs black plastic and row covers.
- Cherokee Purple – 75 days, rich flavor, use season extenders.
- Green Zebra – 70 days, tangy, sets fruit in cool weather.
- Amish Paste – 75 days, good for sauces, determinate.
How To Prepare Wyoming Soil For Tomatoes
Wyoming soil is often alkaline and low in organic matter. Test pH; tomatoes prefer 6.0–6.8. Add sulfur to lower pH if needed. Mix in 2–3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Add a balanced fertilizer according to test results. Raised beds with purchased soil mix can bypass native soil problems.
Watering Schedule For Wyoming Tomatoes
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. In sandy soils, water more often. In clay, less often. Use a moisture meter or stick your finger 2 inches into soil. If dry, water. Morning watering is best to reduce evaporation and disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest tomato to grow in Wyoming?
Sub Arctic Plenty is the easiest. It matures in 45–50 days, tolerates cold, and needs little care.
Can I grow beefsteak tomatoes in Wyoming?
Yes, but choose early varieties like Legend or Oregon Spring. Beefsteaks need 70–80 days, so use season extenders.
Should I use black plastic mulch in Wyoming?
Yes, it warms soil, reduces weeds, and conserves moisture. It’s especially helpful in cool springs.
How do I protect tomatoes from Wyoming wind?
Plant near a south-facing wall, use windbreak fabric, or stake plants securely. Row covers also help.
What tomatoes grow best in high altitude Wyoming?
Glacier, Stupice, and Northern Lights are bred for high altitudes. They handle thin air and cool nights.
Final Tips For Wyoming Tomato Success
Start with the best tomatoes to grow in wyoming, like Sub Arctic Plenty or Glacier. Prepare your soil, use season extenders, and water consistently. Watch for frost and harvest early if needed. With the right varieties and care, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes even in Wyoming’s challenging climate. Happy growing!