Everglades Tomato (Solanum pimpinellifolium)
Regular price $19.95Tiny Tomato with Mighty Flavor
We see you summer! Juicy Everglades Tomatoes (Solanum pimpinellifolium) are 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, producing tiny tomatoes no larger than a quarter. Their wild, vigorous growth and nonstop production make them an especially fun tomato for warm-weather gardens.
Don't let their miniature size fool you! Everglades Tomatoes are small, but their flavor is mighty, with 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 tossing into salads. Their bite-size fruit makes them especially easy to enjoy straight from the plant, where you can keep coming back for another handful throughout the growing season.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Everglades Tomato is a wild heirloom tomato closely related to cultivated tomatoes and is prized for its exceptional heat tolerance and prolific fruiting. The tiny, flavorful tomatoes are especially well suited to fresh eating, whether enjoyed straight from the garden or added to salads.
Why Grow Everglades Tomato?
- Produces loads of tiny tomatoes no larger than a quarter
- Handles summer heat exceptionally well
- Delivers a perfect blend of sweetness and acidity
- Fruits year-round in Florida and warm climates
- Perfect for yard grazing, salads, and little tomato lovers
Growing Tips
Plant Everglades Tomato in full sun and provide rich, well-draining soil with consistent moisture. The plants thrive in warm weather and can continue producing through intense summer heat. Provide support if desired, as the vigorous plants can become sprawling as they grow and fruit. In cooler climates, grow as an annual after the danger of frost has passed.
| 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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