North Dakota’s very short growing season means you need tomato varieties that produce fruit in under seventy days from transplant. Finding the best tomatoes to grow in north dakota is about matching your garden to the state’s unique climate challenges. You face cold springs, hot summers, and an early first frost that can ruin a late crop.
Your window for warm-weather gardening is tight, often just 90 to 120 days between the last spring frost and the first fall freeze. This article gives you a clear list of tomato varieties that will ripen reliably in your backyard or community plot. We’ll cover determinate and indeterminate types, plus tips for giving your plants a strong start.
Understanding North Dakota’s Growing Conditions
North Dakota sits in USDA hardiness zones 3 and 4. That means winter temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Your tomato plants need every advantage to beat the clock.
Short Season Challenges
Your last spring frost usually happens between mid-May and early June. The first fall frost often arrives in mid-September. That leaves you with roughly 100 days of frost-free weather. Many standard tomato varieties need 75 to 85 days to mature. You need types that mature in 50 to 70 days.
Temperature Swings
Even within the growing season, you can see big temperature swings. A hot week in June might be followed by a cool, rainy stretch in July. Tomatoes stop setting fruit when night temperatures drop below 55°F or rise above 75°F. Choose varieties that handle cool nights and still produce.
Wind And Sun
North Dakota is known for its wind. Strong gusts can damage tall tomato plants and dry out the soil. You’ll want to plant in a sheltered spot or use stakes and cages. Full sun is still essential, aim for at least 8 hours of direct light each day.
Best Tomatoes To Grow In North Dakota
Here are the top tomato varieties that perform well in North Dakota’s short season. Each one has been tested by northern gardeners and proven to ripen before frost.
Early Maturing Determinate Varieties
Determinate tomatoes grow to a fixed height and set all their fruit at once. They are perfect for short seasons because they ripen in a concentrated period. You can harvest a full crop in just a few weeks.
Sub Arctic Plenty
This is a classic choice for cold climates. Sub Arctic Plenty matures in just 45 to 50 days from transplant. The fruits are small, about 2 to 3 ounces, but they are abundant. The plant stays compact, around 18 inches tall, so it handles wind well. You can even grow it in a container on a patio.
Glacier
Glacier tomatoes ripen in about 55 days. They produce 2 to 3 ounce red fruits with a tangy flavor. This variety was bred in Canada, so it is used to cool summers. It sets fruit even when nights are chilly. The plants are determinate and reach about 3 feet tall.
Oregon Spring
Oregon Spring matures in 55 to 60 days. It produces medium-sized fruits, around 4 to 6 ounces, that are juicy and sweet. This variety is known for setting fruit in cool weather. It is determinate and grows about 3 feet tall. You can stake it or let it sprawl.
Northern Delight
Northern Delight is a determinate cherry tomato that matures in 55 to 60 days. The fruits are red, sweet, and about 1 inch across. The plant is compact, only 2 feet tall, making it ideal for small spaces. It is also resistant to common tomato diseases.
Early Maturing Indeterminate Varieties
Indeterminate tomatoes keep growing and producing fruit all season until frost. They need staking or caging. For North Dakota, choose early-maturing indeterminate types that start ripening quickly.
Early Girl
Early Girl is a reliable standard for short seasons. It matures in about 50 to 55 days. The fruits are medium-sized, around 4 to 6 ounces, with a classic tomato flavor. The plants are vigorous and need strong support. You can expect a steady supply of tomatoes from mid-summer until frost.
Stupice
Stupice is a Czech heirloom that matures in 50 to 55 days. It produces 2 to 3 ounce red fruits with a rich, complex flavor. The plants are indeterminate but stay manageable, around 4 to 5 feet tall. Stupice is known for setting fruit even in cool, wet weather.
Sun Gold
Sun Gold is a cherry tomato that matures in 55 to 60 days. The fruits are orange-gold and extremely sweet. They are a favorite for snacking and salads. The plants are vigorous and can reach 6 feet tall. Use a tall cage or trellis. Sun Gold produces fruit until frost.
Jetsetter
Jetsetter matures in about 60 days. It produces large, 8 to 10 ounce fruits that are meaty and flavorful. This variety is a good choice if you want slicing tomatoes for sandwiches. The plants are indeterminate and need staking. Jetsetter is disease resistant.
Dwarf And Container Varieties
If you have limited space or want to move plants indoors on cold nights, dwarf tomatoes are a great option. They stay small but still produce fruit.
Patio Princess
Patio Princess matures in 55 to 60 days. It produces 2 to 3 ounce red fruits on a compact plant that stays under 2 feet tall. This variety is perfect for pots on a deck or balcony. It handles wind well and does not need much staking.
Tiny Tim
Tiny Tim is a micro dwarf that matures in 45 to 50 days. The plants are only 12 to 18 inches tall and produce small, sweet cherry tomatoes. You can grow them in a hanging basket or a small pot on a windowsill. They are great for kids or beginner gardeners.
Red Robin
Red Robin matures in 50 to 55 days. It is a dwarf cherry tomato that grows about 12 inches tall. The fruits are red and sweet. This variety is very compact and works well in small containers. It is also a good choice for indoor growing if you have a sunny window.
How To Start Tomatoes In North Dakota
Starting tomatoes indoors gives you a head start on the short season. You need to plan carefully to get strong plants ready for transplanting.
Timing Your Seed Starting
Count back from your last expected frost date. For most of North Dakota, that is around May 15 to June 1. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before that date. For a May 15 frost date, start seeds around March 20 to April 1.
Seed Starting Steps
- Use clean containers with drainage holes. Fill them with a sterile seed-starting mix.
- Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. Cover lightly with mix and water gently.
- Place containers in a warm spot, around 70 to 75°F. Use a heat mat if your house is cool.
- Provide 14 to 16 hours of bright light each day. A grow light works best. Keep the light 2 to 3 inches above the seedlings.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water from the bottom to avoid damping off disease.
- Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots, like 4-inch containers.
Hardening Off
Before moving plants outside, you need to harden them off. This process takes about a week. Start by placing plants outside in a shaded, sheltered spot for 1 to 2 hours. Gradually increase the time and sun exposure each day. Bring them inside at night if temperatures drop below 50°F.
Planting And Care Tips
Once your plants are hardened off, you can transplant them into the garden. Wait until the soil has warmed to at least 60°F and all danger of frost has passed.
Soil Preparation
Tomatoes need well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Test your soil pH; tomatoes prefer a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Add compost or aged manure to improve fertility. Work it into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil.
Planting Depth
Plant tomatoes deep. Remove the lower leaves and bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves. Roots will grow along the buried stem, creating a stronger plant. Space determinate varieties 2 feet apart and indeterminate varieties 3 feet apart.
Watering
Water deeply and consistently. Aim for 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry. Wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for best results.
Mulching
Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around your plants. Straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves work well. Mulch helps retain moisture, keeps soil cool, and prevents weeds.
Support Systems
All tomatoes benefit from support. Use stakes, cages, or trellises. For indeterminate varieties, use tall cages or a Florida weave system. For determinate varieties, short stakes or cages work fine. Install supports at planting time to avoid damaging roots later.
Fertilizing
Tomatoes are heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time. Once plants start flowering, switch to a fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium. Follow package instructions for application rates.
Extending The Season
You can push the limits of North Dakota’s short season with a few simple techniques. These methods help you get ripe tomatoes even when the weather is uncooperative.
Using Row Covers
Floating row covers protect plants from cold temperatures and wind. Use them in early spring to warm the soil and protect young plants. Remove covers when temperatures stay above 70°F to allow pollination. You can also use them in fall to protect plants from early frost.
Wall O’ Water
Wall O’ Water is a plastic teepee filled with water. It surrounds each plant and creates a warm microclimate. Fill it with water and place it around your tomato plant. The water absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night. This can extend your season by 2 to 4 weeks.
Choosing A Warm Microclimate
Plant tomatoes in the warmest part of your garden. A south-facing wall or fence reflects heat and protects from wind. Raised beds warm up faster than ground soil. Black plastic mulch also warms the soil and speeds up growth.
Common Problems And Solutions
Even with the best varieties, you might face some challenges. Here are common issues and how to handle them.
Blossom End Rot
This appears as a dark, leathery spot on the bottom of the fruit. It is caused by calcium deficiency and uneven watering. Keep soil consistently moist and add calcium to the soil before planting. Remove affected fruits.
Early Blight
Early blight shows as brown spots on lower leaves. It spreads in wet weather. Remove infected leaves and improve air circulation. Water at the base of plants. Use a fungicide if needed.
Tomato Hornworms
These large green caterpillars can strip a plant quickly. Handpick them off and drop them in soapy water. You can also use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) as a natural control.
Poor Fruit Set
If flowers drop without setting fruit, the cause is often temperature stress. Night temperatures below 55°F or above 75°F can prevent pollination. Use row covers or shade cloth to moderate temperatures. You can also hand-pollinate by gently shaking the flowers.
Harvesting And Ripening
Harvest tomatoes when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. For varieties that ripen late, you can pick them at the first sign of color and let them ripen indoors.
Ripening Green Tomatoes
At the end of the season, pick all remaining green tomatoes before the first hard frost. Sort them by size and place them in a single layer in a cardboard box. Store in a cool, dark place around 60 to 65°F. Check regularly and remove any that show signs of rot. They will ripen over several weeks.
Storing Tomatoes
Do not refrigerate ripe tomatoes. Cold temperatures ruin their flavor and texture. Store them at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Use them within a few days for best taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest tomato to grow in North Dakota?
Sub Arctic Plenty is one of the fastest, maturing in just 45 to 50 days from transplant. Tiny Tim and Glacier are also very early, maturing in 50 to 55 days.
Can I grow large slicing tomatoes in North Dakota?
Yes, but you need to choose early-maturing varieties. Jetsetter matures in about 60 days and produces large, meaty fruits. Early Girl also produces medium to large fruits in 50 to 55 days.
Should I grow determinate or indeterminate tomatoes in North Dakota?
Both can work. Determinate varieties ripen all at once, which is good for canning. Indeterminate varieties produce over a longer period, giving you fresh tomatoes all season. Choose early-maturing types for either category.
How do I protect tomatoes from frost in North Dakota?
Use row covers, Wall O’ Water, or cloches to protect plants from light frost. Plant in a warm microclimate near a south-facing wall. Harvest all fruit before a hard freeze.
What is the best cherry tomato for North Dakota?
Sun Gold is a top choice for its sweet flavor and early maturity. Northern Delight and Tiny Tim are also excellent, compact options for small spaces.
Final Thoughts On Growing Tomatoes In North Dakota
Growing tomatoes in North Dakota is possible with the right varieties and techniques. Focus on early-maturing types that ripen in under 70 days. Start seeds indoors, harden off plants carefully, and use season-extending methods like row covers and Wall O’ Water. With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes even in a short season. Choose from the list of best tomatoes to grow in north dakota and get started today. Your garden will thank you.