Everglades Tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium)
We see you summer! Juicy Everglades Tomatoes area an amazing rare perennial wild heirloom tomato variety that can really take the heat. They thrive and fruit year round in Florida, and are easily grown as exciting annuals in cooler climates. Everglades Tomato plants fruit prolifically, but it's tiny tomatoes are no larger than a quarter.
Don't let their miniature size fool you! Everglades Tomatoes are small, but their flavor is mighty and has a perfect blend of sweetness and acidity. Loved by little kids and even people who claim to hate tomatoes, these tasty little gems are perfect for yard grazing or salads.
| Botanical Name | Solanum pimpinellifolium |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Everglades Tomato, Wild Currant Tomato, Florida Currant Tomato, Wild Tomato, Red Everglades, Yellow Everglades |
| Plant Type | Fruiting annual or short-lived perennial |
| Life Cycle | Annual in most zones; can be perennial in Zone 9+ |
| Mature Size | 3–6 ft tall; can sprawl 6–8+ ft wide |
| Light | Full sun (6–8+ hours daily) |
| Water Needs | Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged |
| Soil | Well-drained; sandy or loamy; tolerates poor soils |
| Fertilizer | Every 2–3 weeks with organic tomato fertilizer or compost tea |
| Container Friendly | Yes; minimum 3+ gallon pot with drainage |
| Support | Benefits from trellis, cage, or fence; can also be grown as a sprawler |
| Bloom Time | Spring through fall (nearly year-round in warm zones) |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| USDA Zones | 9–11 (perennial); grow as annual in colder zones |
| Florida Native | Naturalized (not native) |
| Propagation | Seeds (easy to save) |
| Time to Harvest | 60–75 days from seed; live plants are ready to fruit now |
| Harvest Notes | Pick when fruits are fully colored (red or yellow), slightly soft to touch |
| Special Features | Heat-tolerant, self-seeding, low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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