Best Tomatoes To Grow In Colorado

Colorado’s intense sunlight and low humidity create ideal conditions for tomato varieties that require consistent moisture management. If you’re searching for the best tomatoes to grow in colorado, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you choose varieties that thrive in our unique climate, from the Front Range to the Western Slope.

Growing tomatoes here can be tricky. Our high altitude means stronger UV rays, cooler nights, and a shorter growing season. But with the right choices, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Let’s get started.

This section covers the top tomato varieties for Colorado gardens. Each one has been selected for its ability to handle our specific conditions. You’ll find options for slicing, canning, and snacking.

Early Maturing Varieties

Colorado’s growing season is short, especially in the mountains. Early maturing tomatoes are your best bet. They set fruit quickly and ripen before the first frost.

Sub Arctic Plenty: Ready in about 50 days. Small, red fruits. Very cold tolerant.
Glacier: Matures in 55 days. Produces sweet, red tomatoes even in cool weather.
Early Girl: A classic. Ready in 55-60 days. Reliable and flavorful.
Stupice: From Czech Republic. Matures in 55 days. Great flavor for an early variety.

Drought Tolerant Varieties

Low humidity means less disease, but also less moisture in the soil. These varieties handle dry spells well. They have deep root systems and thick skins.

Roma: A paste tomato. Thick flesh, few seeds. Excellent for sauces and canning.
San Marzano: Another paste tomato. Elongated shape. Rich flavor. Handles heat well.
Black Krim: A dark, beefsteak type. Tolerates heat and drought. Unique, smoky taste.
Cherokee Purple: Heirloom with dusky purple color. Good drought tolerance. Sweet and complex.

Heat Loving Varieties

Colorado gets hot summer days. These tomatoes love the heat and keep producing even during heatwaves. They resist sunscald and cracking.

Solar Fire: Bred for hot climates. Large, red fruits. Resists cracking.
Heatmaster: Hybrid that sets fruit in high heat. Medium sized, red. Very productive.
Sun Gold: A cherry tomato. Explosively sweet. Produces heavily even in heat.
Arkansas Traveler: Heirloom from the south. Pink fruits. Tolerates heat and humidity.

Cherry And Grape Tomatoes

These small tomatoes are perfect for Colorado. They ripen quickly and produce prolifically. Great for salads, snacking, and roasting.

Sweet 100: Classic cherry. Very productive. Sweet flavor.
Yellow Pear: Heirloom. Pear shaped, yellow. Mild flavor. Prolific producer.
Matt’s Wild Cherry: Tiny, intensely flavored. Very early. Resists pests.
Black Cherry: Dark purple cherry. Rich, sweet flavor. Good for fresh eating.

Determinate Vs Indeterminate

Understanding these types helps you choose. Determinate tomatoes grow to a fixed size and ripen all at once. Great for canning. Indeterminate tomatoes keep growing and producing until frost. Better for fresh eating over a long period.

Determinate: Roma, Glacier, Sub Arctic Plenty. Good for short seasons.
Indeterminate: Early Girl, Sun Gold, Cherokee Purple. Need staking or cages.

Planting Tips For Colorado

Now that you’ve chosen your varieties, it’s time to plant. Follow these steps for success. Timing and technique matter a lot here.

When To Plant

Wait until after the last frost. In most of Colorado, that’s around mid-May. Soil temperature should be at least 60°F. Use a soil thermometer to check.

Check your local frost dates. They vary by elevation.
Harden off seedlings for a week before planting.
Plant on a cloudy day or in the evening to reduce transplant shock.

Soil Preparation

Colorado soil is often clay or sandy. Both need amendment. Add organic matter like compost. This improves drainage and fertility.

Test your soil pH. Tomatoes prefer 6.0-6.8.
Mix in 2-3 inches of compost before planting.
Add a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time.

Spacing And Depth

Tomatoes need room to grow. Plant them deep to encourage strong roots. Remove the lower leaves and bury the stem up to the first set of leaves.

Space determinate varieties 2 feet apart.
Space indeterminate varieties 3 feet apart.
Rows should be 4-5 feet apart.

Watering Wisely

Consistent moisture is key. Colorado’s dry air evaporates water quickly. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep roots.

Water at the base, not on leaves. This prevents disease.
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses.
Water 1-2 inches per week, more in hot weather.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture.

Care And Maintenance

Once your tomatoes are in the ground, they need regular care. Here’s how to keep them healthy and productive throughout the season.

Staking And Support

Most tomatoes need support. Indeterminate varieties especially. Use cages, stakes, or trellises. This keeps fruit off the ground and improves air circulation.

Install supports at planting time to avoid root damage.
Use sturdy cages for large varieties.
Tie stems loosely with soft cloth or twine.

Fertilizing

Tomatoes are heavy feeders. They need regular fertilizer. Use a balanced formula or one higher in phosphorus and potassium for fruit production.

Fertilize at planting time.
Side-dress with compost or fertilizer when fruits set.
Repeat every 3-4 weeks during growing season.
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. They promote leaves, not fruit.

Pruning

Pruning improves air flow and directs energy to fruit. Focus on removing suckers and lower leaves. Don’t overdo it.

Remove suckers from indeterminate varieties.
Trim lower leaves that touch the ground.
Leave some foliage to protect fruit from sunscald.

Pest And Disease Management

Colorado has fewer pests than humid regions, but problems still occur. Common issues include aphids, hornworms, and blossom end rot.

Inspect plants weekly for pests.
Handpick hornworms. They are large and easy to spot.
Use insecticidal soap for aphids.
Prevent blossom end rot with consistent watering and calcium.
Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Harvesting And Storage

Knowing when and how to harvest ensures the best flavor. Tomatoes ripen from the inside out. Color is the best indicator.

When To Harvest

Pick tomatoes when they are fully colored but still firm. They will continue to ripen off the vine. For best flavor, let them ripen on the plant as long as possible.

Cherry tomatoes: Pick when fully colored. They ripen quickly.
Slicing tomatoes: Harvest when deep red or color of variety.
Paste tomatoes: Pick when firm and fully colored.

How To Store

Store tomatoes at room temperature. Never refrigerate them. Cold ruins flavor and texture. Use within a week for best taste.

Keep them out of direct sunlight.
Place stem side up to prevent bruising.
Use ripe tomatoes immediately or process them.

Extending The Season

Colorado’s first frost can come early. Protect your plants to extend harvest. Use row covers or cloches. Pick green tomatoes before frost and ripen indoors.

Cover plants when frost is forecast.
Harvest all mature green tomatoes before hard freeze.
Ripen green tomatoes in a paper bag with an apple.
Store green tomatoes in a cool, dark place for weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are common questions about growing tomatoes in Colorado. These answers will help you troubleshoot and succeed.

What are the best tomatoes to grow in Colorado for beginners?

Start with Early Girl, Sun Gold, or Roma. They are forgiving and productive. These varieties handle our climate well and require less maintenance.

Can I grow heirloom tomatoes in Colorado?

Yes. Heirlooms like Cherokee Purple and Black Krim do well. They need consistent care and may take longer to ripen. Choose early maturing heirlooms for best results.

How often should I water tomatoes in Colorado?

Water deeply 1-2 times per week. Adjust based on weather and soil. In hot, dry spells, you may need to water every 3-4 days. Check soil moisture regularly.

Why are my tomato leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture and fertilize if needed. Remove yellow leaves to improve air flow.

Do I need to prune tomato plants in Colorado?

Pruning helps with air circulation and fruit production. Focus on indeterminate varieties. Remove suckers and lower leaves. Don’t prune too heavily in hot weather.

Final Thoughts

Growing tomatoes in Colorado is rewarding. With the right varieties and care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes all summer. Start with early maturing, drought tolerant types for the best chance of success.

Remember to water consistently, use supports, and protect from frost. Experiment with different varieties each year. You’ll soon find your favorites. Happy gardening.