Florida’s Two Tomato Seasons

Unlike many northern states that grow tomatoes only during summer, Florida gardeners often enjoy two growing seasons each year.

Spring Season

Plant: February–March

Harvest: April–June

Spring tomatoes grow as temperatures warm. Plants usually produce heavily before the intense summer heat arrives.

Advantages

• Cooler nights
• Plenty of sunshine
• Fast growth
• Large harvests before summer

Challenges

As temperatures climb into the 90s with warm nights, tomato plants become stressed. Flowers may drop before producing fruit, and diseases become more common.

Fall Season

Plant: September–October

Harvest: October–December

Many Florida gardeners consider fall the best time to grow tomatoes.

As summer heat begins to fade, tomato plants become healthier and often produce excellent fruit before winter.

Advantages

• Cooler temperatures
• Less heat stress
• Better fruit production
• Easier for beginners

Challenges

Plants need enough time to mature before the first winter frost, which in Brooksville usually arrives sometime between late December and early January.

Which Season Is Better?

For Brooksville and much of Central Florida:

🥇 Fall is often the easiest season.

🥈 Spring is also excellent.

Summer is usually the most difficult because of extreme heat, humidity, heavy rain, and insect pressure.

Florida Weather

Tomatoes enjoy warm days but dislike extreme heat.

Ideal growing temperatures

Daytime:
70–85°F

Nighttime:
55–70°F

Once daytime temperatures regularly exceed about 90°F and nights stay above 75°F, tomato plants may:

• Drop blossoms
• Slow fruit production
• Produce fewer tomatoes

This is one reason fall gardens are often so productive in Florida.

Rainfall

Florida weather changes throughout the year.

Spring

Rain is usually moderate.

You may only need to water a few times each week.

Summer

Heavy afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Too much rain can:

• Crack tomatoes
• Wash nutrients from sandy soil
• Encourage fungal diseases

Fall

Rainfall usually decreases.

This makes watering much easier to manage.

Watering

Tomatoes need consistent moisture.

Instead of watering a little every day, water deeply.

A good goal

1–2 inches of water each week.

Water early in the morning whenever possible.

Avoid watering the leaves late in the evening because wet foliage overnight encourages disease.

Florida Soil

Most of our soils in Brooksville are sandy.

Sandy soil drains quickly but doesn’t hold nutrients for very long.

That’s why we recommend improving the soil before planting.

Mix in:

• Compost
• Worm castings
• Organic fertilizer
• Rock minerals (such as Azomite if desired)

Healthy soil grows healthy plants.

Planting Your Tomato

Choose a location with:

☀ 6–8 hours of sunlight

Good air movement

Well-drained soil

Space plants about 24–36 inches apart.

Plant tomatoes slightly deeper than they were growing in the pot. Tomatoes can form roots along the buried stem, creating a stronger root system.

Fertilizing

Tomatoes are heavy feeders.

Feed at planting and continue feeding every few weeks during the growing season.

At Flower Shower Farm, we like combining:

• Compost
• Worm castings
• Organic granular fertilizer
• Natural liquid plant fertilizer during active growth

A healthy soil food web is just as important as feeding the plant itself.

Common Insects

Florida has plenty of insects, but don’t let that discourage you.

Watch for:

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Hornworms
• Stink bugs
• Leaf-footed bugs

Inspect plants once or twice each week.

Catching problems early is much easier than fixing them later.

Common Diseases

Heat and humidity can encourage diseases such as:

• Early blight
• Septoria leaf spot
• Bacterial spot

Help prevent problems by:

• Spacing plants properly
• Watering the soil instead of the leaves
• Removing damaged leaves
• Providing good airflow

Healthy plants are naturally more resilient.

Supporting Your Plants

Tomatoes need support as they grow.

Use:

• Tomato cages
• Stakes
• Trellises

Keeping fruit off the ground reduces disease and makes harvesting easier.

When to Harvest

Tomatoes don’t need to be completely red before picking.

Harvest when they begin changing color.

They will continue ripening indoors while avoiding damage from insects, birds, or heavy rain.

Cherry tomatoes are ready when fully colored and slightly soft.

Large tomatoes should feel firm but have developed their mature color.

How to Harvest

Hold the tomato gently.

Twist until it releases from the vine.

Or use clean garden snips.

Avoid pulling hard, which can damage the plant.

Harvest every few days during peak production.

The more frequently you harvest, the more tomatoes many varieties continue producing.

Spring vs. Fall at a Glance

Beginner Tips

✔ Plant in full sun.

✔ Water deeply instead of lightly.

✔ Feed your plants regularly.

✔ Check for insects every week.

✔ Harvest often.

✔ Remove damaged leaves.

✔ Don’t be discouraged if a plant struggles. Every season teaches us something new.

Growing Together

Gardening is a journey. Every tomato plant teaches us a little more about nature, patience, and the rewards of caring for something each day.

At Flower Shower Farm, we believe anyone can grow delicious tomatoes with the right plant, healthy soil, and a little encouragement. Whether you’re planting your first Sungold Cherry tomato or your tenth Amish Paste, we hope this guide helps you enjoy a successful Florida harvest.

Happy gardening!