What Tomatoes to Plant in MN

Tomatoes are a beloved crop around the world, prized for their juicy sweetness and versatility in the kitchen. However, growing tomatoes in Minnesota can be a bit of a challenge due to the state's relatively short growing season and unpredictable weather patterns. In this article, we'll explore some of the best tomato varieties to plant in Minnesota, from heirloom classics to newer hybrid varieties designed to thrive in cooler climates.

Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes are beloved by many gardeners for their rich flavor, colorful appearance, and unique shapes and sizes. These tomatoes are usually defined as varieties that have been passed down through generations of gardeners and farmers, and have not been crossbred with other types of tomatoes. Some popular heirloom tomato varieties to try in Minnesota include:

Brandywine: A large, pinkish-red tomato with a sweet, almost smoky flavor.

Cherokee Purple: A beefsteak tomato with dusky purple skin and a rich, sweet flavor.

Green Zebra: A medium-sized tomato with green and yellow stripes, known for its tart, tangy flavor.

Mortgage Lifter: A giant tomato that can weigh up to two pounds, prized for its meaty texture and sweet flavor.

Keep in mind that heirloom tomatoes can be a bit more finicky to grow than other types of tomatoes, and may require more attention to soil fertility and disease prevention. However, their unique flavor and appearance make them well worth the effort for many gardeners.

Determinate vs Indeterminate Tomatoes

Another important factor to consider when choosing tomato varieties for Minnesota is whether they are determinate or indeterminate. Determinate tomatoes are smaller, bushier plants that produce a set amount of fruit and then stop growing. This makes them a good choice for gardeners with limited space or time, as they don't require as much pruning or staking. Some popular determinate tomato varieties to consider include:

Roma: A classic tomato used for canning and sauces, with a meaty texture and few seeds.

Celebrity: A disease-resistant variety that produces uniform, medium-sized tomatoes.

Garden Pearl: A cherry tomato that is great for snacking or adding to salads, with a sweet flavor and compact growth habit.

Indeterminate tomatoes, on the other hand, are larger, more sprawling plants that continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season. While they require more attention to pruning and staking, they can produce larger yields and offer more flexibility in terms of harvesting. Some popular indeterminate tomato varieties to try in Minnesota include:

Early Girl: A classic tomato that produces medium-sized, juicy fruit early in the season.

Big Beef: A beefsteak tomato that can weigh up to a pound, with a sweet flavor and meaty texture.

Sungold: A cherry tomato with a bright orange color and sweet, tropical flavor.

Ultimately, the choice between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes will depend on your gardening goals and the amount of space you have available.

Cold-Tolerant Tomatoes

Finally, if you live in Minnesota or another area with a short growing season, you may want to consider cold-tolerant tomato varieties that are specifically bred to thrive in cooler temperatures. Some popular cold-tolerant tomato varieties to try include:

Sub-Arctic Plenty: A determinate variety that can produce fruit in as little as 45 days, making it a good choice for short growing seasons.

Legend: An indeterminate variety that is resistant to both cold temperatures and fungal diseases.

Glacier: A determinate tomato that produces medium-sized fruit in just 55 days, with a sweet flavor and juicy texture.

When choosing cold-tolerant tomatoes, make sure to read the seed packet or plant label carefully to ensure that the variety is well-suited to your particular growing conditions.

Conclusion

Tomatoes are a popular and rewarding crop for Minnesota gardeners, but it's important to choose the right varieties to ensure success. Whether you're looking for heirloom classics, determinate or indeterminate plants, or cold-tolerant varieties, there's a tomato out there that will suit your needs. With a little bit of research and care, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful tomatoes all season long.