How Late Can You Plant Tomatoes in Missouri?

Tomatoes are a popular crop in Missouri, and for good reason. They are easy to grow and produce an abundance of tasty fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or canned. However, planting tomatoes too late in the season can lead to disappointment in both the quantity and quality of your harvest. Here is what you need to know about planting tomatoes in Missouri.

The Best Time to Plant Tomatoes in Missouri

The best time to plant tomatoes in Missouri is between the last frost date in the spring and early summer. In most parts of the state, this falls between mid-April and mid-May. This gives the tomato plants plenty of time to establish themselves before the heat of summer sets in.

How Late Can You Safely Plant Tomatoes in Missouri?

If you miss the ideal window for planting tomatoes in Missouri, you may be wondering how late you can safely plant them. The answer depends on a few factors:

The First Frost Date: The first frost date in Missouri varies depending on your location, but generally falls between mid-October and early November. This means that you need to make sure your tomato plants are mature enough to produce fruit before the first frost.

The Variety of Tomato: Different varieties of tomatoes have different maturity rates. Determinate tomatoes, for example, have a shorter maturation period than indeterminate tomatoes.

The Weather: The weather in Missouri can be unpredictable, and a sudden cold snap can damage or kill tomato plants.

Based on these factors, the latest you can safely plant tomatoes in Missouri is typically mid-July. This gives the plants roughly 90 days before the first frost, which is enough time for most tomato varieties to mature and produce fruit.

Tips for Planting Tomatoes Late in the Season

If you decide to plant tomatoes late in the season, there are a few things you can do to give your plants the best chance of success:

Choose the Right Variety: As mentioned earlier, some tomato varieties have shorter maturation periods than others. Choose a variety that is known for maturing quickly, such as Early Girl or Stupice.

Plant in a Warm Location: Tomatoes need warm soil to grow, so choose a location that gets plenty of sun and has well-draining soil. You can also use black plastic or a raised bed to help warm the soil.

Water Regularly: Tomatoes need regular watering to produce fruit, especially during the hot summer months. Make sure to water deeply, but avoid getting water on the leaves, which can lead to disease.

Fertilize Regularly: Tomatoes are heavy feeders and need regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium to help promote fruit production.

Protect from Cold: If you experience a sudden cold snap, cover your tomato plants with blankets or old sheets to protect them from the cold. You can also use a cloche or row cover to help keep the plants warm.

Conclusion

While it is best to plant tomatoes in Missouri between mid-April and mid-May, you can still plant them later in the season if you take the right precautions. By choosing the right variety, planting in a warm location, watering and fertilizing regularly, and protecting from cold, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest even if you plant late in the season.