Washington’s maritime climate allows for both early and late tomato harvests with proper variety selection. If you are looking for the best tomatoes to grow in Washington, you need varieties that can handle cool nights and sudden rain. The key is matching the tomato type to your specific region, whether you are west of the Cascades or east.
Western Washington has mild summers with less heat, while eastern Washington gets hotter days. This means your choice of tomato can make or break your harvest. Below, you will find a complete guide to picking the right tomatoes for your garden.
Best Tomatoes To Grow In Washington
When we talk about the best tomatoes to grow in Washington, we focus on three main categories: early maturing, disease resistant, and heat tolerant. The state’s weather can be tricky, but these varieties have proven themselves over many seasons.
Early Maturing Varieties For Short Summers
Western Washington gardeners need tomatoes that ripen fast. Cool marine air can delay ripening, so early varieties are a must.
- Stupice: A Czech variety that ripens in 52-60 days. It produces small red fruits with great flavor. Perfect for coastal gardens.
- Oregon Spring: Developed in the Pacific Northwest. It sets fruit even in cool weather. Ready in 55-65 days.
- Sub Arctic Plenty: A classic for short seasons. It can handle cold soil and still produce. Fruits are small but abundant.
- Glacier: This tomato was bred for cold climates. It ripens in about 55 days and tastes sweet.
Disease Resistant Types For Wet Weather
Rain and humidity can cause blight and rot. Choosing disease resistant varieties saves you headaches.
- Legend: Resistant to late blight, a common problem in Washington. It produces large, slicing tomatoes in 68 days.
- Iron Lady: Another late blight resistant option. It has firm fruits and good flavor. Matures in 70-75 days.
- Defiant PhR: Resistant to both late blight and early blight. A reliable choice for organic gardens.
- Mountain Merit: This hybrid resists many diseases. It works well in both wet and dry areas.
Heat Loving Tomatoes For Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington gets hot summers. You need tomatoes that can handle the heat without dropping blossoms.
- Brandywine: A classic heirloom with huge flavor. It needs heat to ripen, so it works great east of the mountains.
- Cherokee Purple: This dark tomato loves warm days. It produces rich, smoky fruits in 80 days.
- Sun Gold: A cherry tomato that thrives in heat. It produces sweet orange fruits all summer.
- Arkansas Traveler: Tolerant of both heat and drought. A good choice for drier parts of the state.
How To Choose The Right Tomato For Your Region
Washington is not one climate. You need to know your zone before you plant. Here is a simple breakdown.
Western Washington (Zones 8A-8b)
This area includes Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. Summers are cool and damp. Focus on early and disease resistant varieties.
- Look for “days to maturity” under 70 days.
- Choose determinate types that ripen all at once.
- Use black plastic mulch to warm the soil.
- Plant in raised beds for better drainage.
Eastern Washington (Zones 6A-7b)
Spokane, Yakima, and the Tri-Cities have hotter summers. You can grow larger, later varieties.
- Look for “days to maturity” up to 85 days.
- Indeterminate types will produce all season.
- Provide afternoon shade if temps exceed 95°F.
- Water deeply to prevent blossom end rot.
Coastal And Mountain Areas
Near the coast or in higher elevations, you face even shorter seasons. Stick with cold-tolerant types.
- Use row covers to protect from wind.
- Choose cherry or paste tomatoes that ripen faster.
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.
Top 10 Tomato Varieties For Washington Gardens
Here is a list of proven performers. These tomatoes have been tested by local gardeners and extension offices.
- Stupice: Early, cold tolerant, great flavor.
- Oregon Spring: Sets fruit in cool weather.
- Legend: Late blight resistant, large fruits.
- Sun Gold: Sweet cherry tomato, heat tolerant.
- Brandywine: Heirloom, best for eastern Washington.
- Glacier: Super early, good for short seasons.
- Iron Lady: Disease resistant, firm texture.
- Cherokee Purple: Rich flavor, warm climate.
- Defiant PhR: Dual blight resistance.
- Sub Arctic Plenty: Reliable in cold soil.
Planting Tips For Washington Tomato Growers
Getting your tomatoes in the ground correctly is half the battle. Follow these steps for a strong start.
When To Plant
Wait until soil temperature reaches 60°F. In western Washington, this is usually mid-May. In eastern Washington, early May is safe.
- Use a soil thermometer to check.
- Plant after the last frost date for your area.
- If using transplants, harden them off for a week.
How To Prepare The Soil
Tomatoes need rich, well-draining soil. Add compost before planting.
- Mix in aged manure or worm castings.
- Add a handful of bone meal for phosphorus.
- Test pH; aim for 6.0 to 6.8.
Spacing And Support
Give your plants room to grow. Crowding leads to disease.
- Space determinate types 2 feet apart.
- Space indeterminate types 3 feet apart.
- Use cages, stakes, or trellises for support.
Watering And Fertilizing
Consistent watering prevents problems. Irregular watering causes cracked fruit and blossom end rot.
Watering Schedule
- Water deeply once a week, more in hot weather.
- Use drip irrigation to keep leaves dry.
- Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture.
Fertilizing Tips
- Use a balanced fertilizer at planting time.
- Switch to a low-nitrogen formula once flowers appear.
- Apply liquid seaweed every two weeks for trace minerals.
Common Problems And Solutions
Washington gardeners face unique challenges. Here is how to handle them.
Late Blight
This fungal disease thrives in cool, wet weather. It can wipe out a crop quickly.
- Plant resistant varieties like Legend or Iron Lady.
- Space plants for good air circulation.
- Remove affected leaves immediately.
- Apply copper fungicide preventatively.
Blossom End Rot
A calcium deficiency causes dark spots on fruit bottoms. It is common in hot weather.
- Water consistently, do not let soil dry out.
- Add calcium to soil before planting.
- Mulch to keep soil moisture even.
Catfacing
This is a deformity on fruit caused by cold temperatures during flowering. It is cosmetic and does not affect taste.
- Wait until nights are above 55°F to plant.
- Use row covers if a cold snap is forecast.
- Choose varieties less prone to catfacing.
Extending The Harvest Season
With a few tricks, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes from July through October.
Use Season Extenders
- Wall O’ Waters or cloches warm the soil.
- Floating row covers protect from frost.
- Cold frames allow for later planting.
Plant Succession Crops
- Start early varieties indoors in March.
- Plant a second batch in June for fall harvest.
- Choose determinate types for a concentrated harvest.
Harvest Green Tomatoes
- Pick fruits before frost and ripen indoors.
- Place them in a paper bag with a banana.
- Store at room temperature, not in fridge.
Best Tomato Varieties For Container Gardens
If you have limited space, grow tomatoes in pots. Many varieties do well in containers.
- Tiny Tim: A dwarf cherry tomato, perfect for small pots.
- Bush Early Girl: Compact plant, early harvest.
- Patio Princess: Bred for containers, good flavor.
- Balcony Red: Small plant, heavy yield.
Use at least a 5-gallon pot for each plant. Ensure drainage holes are present. Water container plants more often than garden plants.
Seed Starting Tips For Washington
Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start. It also allows you to grow unusual varieties.
- Start seeds 6-8 weeks before last frost.
- Use a seed starting mix, not garden soil.
- Keep seedlings under grow lights for 14-16 hours.
- Harden off plants gradually over a week.
Where To Buy Tomato Plants In Washington
Local nurseries often carry varieties suited to your area. Here are some trusted sources.
- Swanson’s Nursery in Seattle carries many PNW varieties.
- Wells Medina Nursery in Medina has a good selection.
- Raintree Nursery in Morton offers online ordering.
- Local farmers markets often have plant sales in spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tomatoes to grow in washington state?
The best varieties include Stupice, Oregon Spring, Legend, and Sun Gold. These handle the state’s varied climate well.
Can I grow heirloom tomatoes in western washington?
Yes, but choose early heirlooms like Stupice or Glacier. Late heirlooms like Brandywine are better for eastern Washington.
When should I plant tomatoes in washington?
Plant after the last frost, usually mid-May in western Washington and early May in eastern Washington. Soil should be 60°F.
How do I protect tomatoes from late blight?
Plant resistant varieties, space plants well, and apply copper fungicide. Remove any infected leaves right away.
What tomatoes grow best in seattle?
Seattle gardeners should choose early, disease resistant types like Legend, Stupice, and Oregon Spring. These handle cool, damp conditions.
Final Thoughts On Growing Tomatoes In Washington
Growing tomatoes in Washington is possible with the right choices. Focus on early maturing and disease resistant varieties for western areas. For eastern Washington, heat tolerant heirlooms work best.
Prepare your soil well, water consistently, and use season extenders. With these tips, you will enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes all summer long. Start with the varieties listed here, and you will see great results.
Remember to check your local frost dates and soil temperature before planting. A little planning goes a long way. Happy gardening in the Evergreen State.