By Clint Thompson
Planting dates are an important factor to consider when planning for tomato production this year. Alabama Extension reminds interested producers that this week begins the optimal planting period for South Alabama.
Andre da Silva, Alabama Extension vegetable specialist, encourages growers in the southern part of the state to plant their crop between March 1 and April 30. North Alabama producers need to plant between April 15 and June 15.
“Remember to avoid scheduling your planting date when your flowering and fruiting will be during the summer. You’re going to have problems with sunscald,” da Silva said. “If you plant it too late in the spring or too early in the fall and you get high temperatures, you’re going to have problems with sunscald.”
Sunscald can appear as a white-blistered area on the top of the tomato. It can turn leathery and be invaded by rots. Tomatoes are vulnerable during hot summer days.
Ideal planting dates in the fall are between July 15 and Aug. 15 in South Alabama and between July 1 and Aug. 1 in North Alabama. He reminds producers about the benefits of producing tomatoes twice in a season.
“Most of the people that we have talked to, they’ve just been growing during the summer when it’s hot. Remember, you don’t want to have very high temperatures. That’s just going to distress your plant,” he added. “You want (temperatures) to maintain between 55 (degrees) and 85 (degrees) Fahrenheit. Why not optimize your year and have two growing seasons?”
“You also don’t want to delay your planting date (in the fall) because you’re going to get colder conditions, and that’s going to abort your fruits.”
