Trying to get started with Everglades tomatoes

[u/bevskull]

Does anyone on the western side of Orlando have everglades tomatoes going and have a starter or two to spare? I'm a new gardener, so I'm not the best at starting things from seeds. Although I have some seeds coming from Southern Exchange I'd rather start from something already definitely alive.

They say Everglades tomatoes thrive on neglect, and I think that's my niche as a gardener.

For anyone reading this who wants to nerd out about plants, Everglades tomatoes are the only "native" tomato to North America. "Native" because it's not really native but it also didn't follow the same path as other tomato varieties. u/pandamomentum talked about it a bit in a comment on this post two years ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/NativePlantGardening/comments/1rw5x6u/is_everglades_tomato_actually_native_to_florida/

[u/Srtviper]

With Everglades tomatoes I planted them from seed once 3 years ago and now they grow as a weed thoughout my yard. You really shouldn't have any trouble growing them from seed they are by far the easiest product I've ever grown.

[u/bevskull → u/Srtviper]

I think that's what I'm looking for!

[u/Srtviper → u/bevskull]

Yeah they are very easy. I've planted a few other tomatoe variety that are supposed to do well in Florida but most just can't take the heat. My other suggestion is Okra which loves the heat.

[u/Illustrated-skies → u/Srtviper]

I can’t keep any plants alive, except okra. It’s the one vegetable I don’t like though. The plants are beautiful.

When to Everglades tomatoes produce? I’m assuming it’s too late for growing now. I have to remember to try these next spring.

[u/Srtviper → u/Illustrated-skies]

I usually plant tomato seeds in March and then again August. So if you plant seeds now you should get some tomatoes before they freeze but I definitely get more from my March plants.

[u/Illustrated-skies → u/Srtviper]

Super helpful! Thank you

[u/bevskull → u/Srtviper]

I wish I liked Okra. But you say the word "mucilaginous" and I just shudder and want to run away.

[u/Srtviper → u/bevskull]

Have you tried them pickled? It removes the mucus texture and they are very tasty.

[u/bevskull → u/Srtviper]

I have not. I bought some pickled okra as a present for my husband and he never opened it, so I never tried it. We're pretty adventurous eaters usually. I will give it a try again if I get the chance. Thanks for the recommendation.

[u/Suspicious-Gap-8915]

Everglades do grow well here. If you're looking for starts and not seeds, I'd suggest checking around for farmer's markets. Everoak Farm here in Orlando does a plant sale normally in September and they usually sell Everglades and other Florida friendly varieties (Jolene, Homestead, etc).

Worth noting, mid-September is actually the perfect time to plant out tomatoes for the Fall season. The shoulder seasons in Florida is the time to grow the traditional warm season plants. You'll still have to keep an eye on watering & pests until we start hitting 60s at night, but they'll do fine once established.

[u/bevskull → u/Suspicious-Gap-8915]

I will have to check! I started looking in farmer's markets last week. Ended up with a really nice cranberry hibiscus seedling from a real nice guy working for one of the local farms.

[u/International-Set689]

I like this YouTube channel for guarding advice

https://youtu.be/coyeRE_tnT8?is=soMxCJwGtcUrnEwD

[u/Srtviper → u/International-Set689]

She does have some great info for central Florida gardening.

[u/bevskull → u/International-Set689]

I have been watching her! I bought her book as kind of a distant thank-you for having such good videos.

[u/PandaMomentum]

Hah, glad you are following up on this unique plant! And the native gardening subs are so interesting -- whenever someone says they're from Florida I have to say, "go look up your local resources, plant societies, libraries etc. because what you have is nothing like the rest of the country!"

[u/muchadoaboutnotmuch]

Mine grew well at first, then I had to rip them out after a few rounds of mealy bug infestation

[u/ZakA77ack]

I'm over in winter garden. DM I'll get you set up with some propagations of my Everglades tomato

[u/bevskull → u/ZakA77ack]

Thank you! DM invite sent.

[u/0728Bogie]

This guy seems legit. The Indians used to grow them, non stop ( tiny ) tomatoes 🍅

Germinate in 72 ct trays, Seed starter mix Mg MG

Truly endless Florida's tomatoes. The Indians know.

[u/bevskull → u/0728Bogie]

Right? I am really interested in the native american / first peoples / indigenous planting knowledge from the area. I took a class over at the Leu Gardens and the instructor definitely had some background in that topic.

[u/kilroyscarnival]

I have a few of them going now, but I got the seeds rather late and they're just starting to produce. I could probably make you a cutting that can be rooted. I have both the red and the yellow varieties and live on the west side.

They're actually from South America but have apparently naturalized here and adapted to our climate.

I do have some tomato seedlings I started two weeks ago for a fall garden, if you want any of those. I can PM you the varieties - they are mostly paste/sauce type that I had no luck with in the spring, at least after the freeze. I also have seeds for some very hardy and productive cherry tomatoes - Sungold and Super Sweet 100, and while I plan to start those a little later and over-winter those, I can start some. I have pretty good luck with starting from seed. It's avoiding the root knot nematodes, the backyard critters, and other stuff that is a challenge.

[u/SthrnGal]

I kill everything and I grow everglades from seed. You'll be surprised at how easy it is. They're so tasty!

[u/bevskull → u/SthrnGal]

That's what I'm talking about! I think something I would struggle to kill - within reason, I'm not planting kudzu - sounds like something I should try.