10 Best Tomato Varieties For Cold Weather

Looking for a tomato plant that can withstand colder temperatures?

When it comes to planting tomatoes, most people think of warm weather plants that need lots of sun and heat to produce fruit. However, there are actually a variety of tomato plants that can tolerate colder temperatures and even some frost.

If you live in an area with a cooler climate or want to extend your tomato growing season into the fall and winter months, then growing a cold hardy tomato variety is a great option.

Here are some of the best cold hardy tomato varieties to try:

1. Glacier

2. Oregon Spring

3. Stupice: 

4. Sub Arctic Plenty

5. Winterkeeper

6. Yellow Pear

7. Mountain Delight

8. Siberian: 

9. Princess

10. Polar Star

These cold hardy tomato varieties are all well-suited for growing in cooler climates and can tolerate some frost. If you live in an area with very cold winters, you may need to grow your tomatoes in a greenhouse or indoors to protect them from the extreme cold.

When selecting a cold hardy tomato variety to grow, it’s important to consider the size and shape of the fruit, as well as the plant’s yield. Some of the smaller varieties, like Yellow Pear and Mountain Delight, are good choices if you want to grow tomatoes in containers.

If you’re looking for a high-yielding tomato plant, then Oregon Spring, Stupice, and Sub Arctic Plenty are all good options. And if you want a tomato plant that produces large fruits, then Glacier, Princess, and Polar Star are all good choices.

No matter what type of cold hardy tomato you choose to grow, be sure to give your plants plenty of sun and water. Tomatoes require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and must be watered regularly to produce bountiful crops.

What Are the Characteristics of These Varieties?

What are the characteristics of each variety? Let’s take a closer look at each of these varieties  and their characteristics:

Glacier: The Glacier tomato is a very versatile tomato that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture that makes it ideal for slicing and dicing. The Glacier tomato is also a good source of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant.

Oregon Spring: Oregon Spring tomatoes are a type of tomato that is known for its sweetness and juiciness. They are also known for their firmness and their red color.

Stupice: The Stupice tomato is a small, red, round tomato. It is very sweet, with a slightly acidic flavor. It is often used in salads, and can also be used in sauces, soups, and stews.

Sub Arctic Plenty: The Sub Arctic Plenty tomato is a variety of tomato that is known for its cold tolerance. This tomato is able to withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Sub Arctic Plenty tomato is also known for its large size. This tomato can grow to be up to two pounds in weight. The Sub Arctic Plenty tomato is also known for its high yield. This tomato can produce up to two pounds of fruit per plant..

Yellow Pear: The yellow pear tomato is a small, pear-shaped tomato with a yellowish-orange skin. They are typically about the size of a marble and have a sweet, tangy flavor. These tomatoes are often used in salads or as a garnish.

Mountain Delight: Mountain Delight tomatoes are a variety of heirloom tomato. They are red, slightly elongated, and have a sweet flavor. Mountain Delight tomatoes are best suited for fresh eating or canning.

Siberian: This variety is perfect for growing in colder climates as it is extremely cold tolerant. These tomatoes are typically smaller in size than other varieties, and have a thin skin that is easy to peel. Siberian tomatoes are also known for their high acidity and sweetness.

Princess: This variety of tomato is ideal for cold weather climates. It is a determinate variety, meaning it will reach a certain height and then produce fruit. The plant is compact and bushy, with an average height of two to three feet.

Princess tomatoes are early producers, with fruit ripening about 60 days after planting. The fruit is bright red and weighs approximately six ounces. This tomato variety is resistant to frost and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Polar Star: Polar Star tomatoes are bred for cold weather conditions and have a number of unique characteristics that make them ideal for growing in cooler climates. They are very early ripening, with a short growing season of just 60 days from transplant to harvest.

The fruit is large, round, and bright red, with a firm flesh and an excellent flavor. Polar Star tomatoes are also very disease resistant, making them a good choice for organic or low-input growers.

How Do I Choose the Right Variety for My Needs?

As you can see there are countless varieties to choose from. So how do you know which one is right for you?

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a tomato variety:

What are you going to use the tomatoes for?

If you plan on using the tomatoes for canning or making tomato sauce, you’ll want to choose a variety that is high in acidity. Some good choices for canning and sauce-making include Roma, San Marzano, and Amish Paste.

If you plan on eating the tomatoes fresh, you’ll want to choose a variety that is lower in acidity and has a sweeter flavor. Some good choices for fresh eating include Cherry, Heirloom, and Beefsteak.

What is your growing environment like?

It is important to consider your growing environment. With so many different types of tomatoes available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a tomato variety

• Climate: Tomatoes are tropical plants, so they prefer warm weather. If you live in a cooler climate, look for varieties that are bred to handle cooler temperatures.
  
• Sunlight: Tomatoes need at least 8 hours of sunlight per day to produce fruit. If you live in a hot climate, choose a variety that can handle the heat and has good disease resistance.
  
• Soil: Tomatoes prefer well-drained, fertile soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, add some organic matter to help improve drainage.

What are your space limitations?

If you have a small garden, you’ll want to choose a smaller variety of tomato. Some good choices for small gardens include cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and patio tomatoes.

These varieties are not only smaller in size, but they also produce smaller yields. That means less work for you in terms of harvesting and processing the tomatoes.

If you have a larger garden, you can afford to go with a larger variety of tomato. Heirloom tomatoes, for example, can get quite large. They also produce a large yield, so if you’re looking to can or preserve your tomatoes, this could be a good option for you.

What is your level of experience?

Your Level of Gardening Experience One of the first things to consider when choosing a tomato variety is your level of gardening experience. If you’re a beginner, look for a variety that is easy to grow and doesn’t require a lot of care.

On the other hand, if you’re more experienced, you can choose a variety that is more challenging to grow. Either way, make sure you choose a variety that you’re comfortable with and that will fit your needs.

What is your budget?

Next, take a look at your budget. How much are you willing to spend on tomatoes? If you are on a budget, you’ll want to choose a variety that is easy to find and doesn’t require special care. Keep in mind that organic tomatoes may cost a bit more than non-organic, but they are also generally higher quality.

No matter what your needs are, there is a tomato variety out there that is perfect for you. By taking the time to consider your needs and choose the right variety, you’ll be sure to have a bumper crop of delicious tomatoes.

Your Personal Preferences

Of course, one of the most important things to consider when choosing a tomato variety is your personal preferences. What kind of flavor do you like? What size and shape do you prefer? Do you want a tomato that is good for canning or one that is good for fresh eating?

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have no problem choosing the right tomato variety for your garden.

How Do I Plant and Care for Cold Weather Tomatoes?

When it comes to caring for your cold weather tomato plants, there is a lot to consider. From the type of soil to the amount of water and sunlight they need, it can be a lot to keep track of. But don’t worry, our beginner’s guide to caring for cold weather tomato plants has you covered.

Our beginner’s guide to caring for cold weather tomato plants will give you all the information you need to get started. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right variety of tomatoes to planting and caring for your plants.

Read More: Beginners Guide: Caring For Cold Weather Tomato Plants

Final Thoughts:
The listed varieties are some of the best cold hardy tomato varieties available. Each variety has its own unique characteristics that make it ideal for growing in cold weather conditions. When choosing a variety to grow, consider your own specific needs and preferences to find the best one for you.