Neptune Tomato Info: How To Grow A Neptune Tomato Plant

If you live in a temperate part of the world, having tomatoes in your garden may feel like a given. They are one of the quintessential vegetables of the vegetable garden. However, if you live in a hot climate or, even worse, a hot and wet climate, tomatoes are not so easy. Luckily, science is hard at work spreading the tomato love around, and every year universities are putting out new, hardier varieties that will thrive in more climates… and still taste good. The Neptune is one such variety. Keep reading to learn more about Neptune tomato plant care and how to grow a Neptune tomato.

Neptune Tomato Info

What is a Neptune tomato? The tomato “Neptune” cultivar is relatively new on the tomato scene. Developed by Dr. J. W. Scott at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and released to the public in 1999, it is bred specifically to stand up to hot and wet summers in places like the Deep South and Hawaii, where tomatoes are famously hard to grow. This tomato plant performs well in hot weather, which is a must. It stands out for its resistance to bacterial wilt, which is a serious problem for tomato growers in the southeastern U.S.

How to Grow a Neptune Tomato Plant

Neptune tomato plants develop fruit early to mid-season, usually taking 67 days to reach maturity. The fruits themselves are bright red and juicy, weighing about 4 oz. (113 g.) and growing in clusters of two to four. The vines are determinate and bushy, usually reaching 2 to 4 feet (61 cm. to 1 m.) in height and growing its fruits on short, stubby stems. They can be grown in very large containers if necessary. Like most tomato varieties, they need full sun, warm weather, and rich soil in order to produce to their full potential with similar care requirements.