Best tomatoes to grow in zone 6a & 6b

Here in Nova Scotia, there is a blanket of fresh snow on the ground and we are in the midst of the polar vortex. But, with spring soon around the corner, that doesn’t mean that the garden planning has to stop! As we sit back over our morning tea, we’ve been busy planning out which pepper and tomato seeds we will plant this year. Here at Bluenose Blooms, we are always experimenting to find the best varieties of tomatoes to grow in zone 6. 

Nothing is more mouthwatering to grow in the summer than juicy homegrown tomatoes. You really cannot beat the flavour of sun ripened tomatoes straight from your own garden. The staple of many backyard gardens, tomatoes come in so many different varieties. With a blend of heirloom and hybrid versions, there is sure to be one for every gardener’s taste!

Learn to grow tomatoes

For gardeners with a short growing season, finding the right varieties to grow in colder climates is not always so straightforward. Over the years, we’ve narrowed down the list to our top 5 best tomatoes to plant in zones 6a & 6b. And, we’re so excited to feature these in today’s blog. 

So, if you’ve been searching for the best tomatoes to grow in zone 6a & 6b, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s blog, we walk you through everything you need to know about our top five picks. We answer some of your burning questions about how to grow tomatoes from seed in zone 6. If you’re ready to start your tomato growing journey with us, pull up a chair and let’s dive in!

Oregon Spring

If you’re looking for the perfect slicing tomato, look no further than Oregon Spring. This tomato is a beautiful compact bush variety. It is perfect for growing in smaller spaces. Ideal for planting in containers, raised beds, or a small garden plot. 

Oregon Spring is a heavy producer of medium-sized fruit. The tomatoes are perfectly round and beautifully juicy. Enjoy this tomato on a sandwich or add to your favourite tomato sauce. You can even add it to your favourite batch of homemade salsa. The old fashioned tomato flavour is definitely here with Oregon Spring!

This tomato is an open-pollinated, determinate variety. The tomatoes from Oregon Spring plants mature in about 70-75 days. It is an extremely early producing variety that can tolerate colder weather. Will need frost protection though until the danger has passed. 

What’s nice about the Oregon Spring tomatoes is that they are some of the first that can be planted outside. They are a tough, hardy variety. They can even stand up to extreme drought, and a bit of neglect. 

If you’re looking for the best tomato to grow in zone 6a & 6b, Oregon Spring should definitely be on your list this year. If you’re new to growing tomatoes, this variety is one that is truly foolproof. It can be grown in a variety of different climates and conditions. And, it will pump out an abundant harvest of tomatoes for use in your favourite recipes. 

We’ve been growing this variety for years, and trust us, you won’t be sorry about adding it to your garden this summer!

Early Girl

Another beautiful slicing tomato for gardeners with a short season is Early Girl. If you’re looking to produce a fast and abundant early crop of tomatoes, Early Girl is the variety for you! 

The fruit of Early Girl tomatoes are medium-sized with a beautiful red colour. Early Girl produces heavy yields. And, it is a variety of tomato that offers great disease resistance. 

For coastal growers, Early Girl is a great variety for beating late season blight. This is because it produces much of its harvest before blight has a chance to set in. 

Early Girl is an indeterminate variety. It matures in about 57 days. It is a hybrid and offers great protection against several common diseases including Fusarium wilt. 

This tomato is very popular among home gardeners. It’s relatively easy to care for, produces a massive harvest, and the flavour is unmatched. Like Oregon Spring, Early Girl can tolerate cooler temperatures. It also thrives in hot, dry weather. 

For beginner gardeners, Early Girl is an amazing hybrid variety to have in your garden. It is easy to grow. It also offers added protection to ensure that you have a healthy and abundant crop or beautiful juicy summer tomatoes!

Black Krim

If you’re looking for a juicy, unique flavoured beefsteak, Black Krim should be on your list this year. This tomato has beautiful reddish-purple black skin. It also has the texture and look of a traditional beefsteak. 

The uses for Black Krim are endless. It is great on sandwiches, grilled on the barbecue, sauteed, or stewed. You can even add it to your favourite salsa for a slightly smoky flavour. 

Black Krim is a heavy producer of beautifully shaped beefsteak tomatoes. The tomatoes are large, so the plant will need proper staking and support. The flavour is the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and slightly salty. It is beloved by chefs for its unique flavour profile. 

These tomatoes are extremely hardy making them a great addition to zone 6a & 6b gardens. They thrive in the shorter garden season and were originally developed with colder climates in mind. Black Krim has a natural disease resistance. It can also stand up to quite harsh conditions and a bit of neglect. 

Black Krim is an heirloom, indeterminate tomato variety. The vines can reach anywhere from 5-6 feet tall. They are an open-pollinated variety that matures in about 80 days from transplant. 

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience with tomatoes, add Black Krim to your garden this summer! You won’t be disappointed you did!

Sun Gold

If you like to quietly walk through your summer garden snacking on tomatoes, then choose Sun Gold cherry tomatoes. These beautiful little rays of sunshine in the garden have an amazing sweet, citrus flavour. 

When picked at the optimal level of ripeness, the flavour of these tomatoes will explode in your mouth. They are very fun to grow with kids. The unique tangerine coloured flesh truly stands out in the garden. The tomatoes are plump and juicy and every bite fills your mouth with amazing flavour. 

The vines can be a little vigorous, so vertical stakes may be necessary. Since they are an indeterminate variety of tomato, they will keep pumping out harvest after harvest for you. 

Sun Gold tomatoes are a hybrid variety. As such, they offer great protection against a large variety of diseases. The vines can reach between 6-8 feet tall so proper staking is necessary to keep them growing healthy and strong. 

Sun Gold thrives in the heat and is relatively easy to care for. The plants mature in about 65 days from transplant. You will know that your tomatoes are ripe and ready to eat when they almost fall off the vines. Letting them fully ripen is the best way to enjoy their unique and bold flavour!

If you’re looking for the best cherry tomato to grow in zones 6a & 6b, look no further than Sun Gold. The name says it all, truly a piece of gold ripened by the sun!

Mortgage Lifter

If you’re looking for a meaty beefsteak tomato, look no further than Mortgage Lifter. These tomatoes produce large beefsteaks on vigorous vines. Slightly pink flesh, fewer seeds, and packed with that old fashioned tomato flavour. 

The tomatoes themselves are not as prone to cracking as other varieties. So, they stand up better to harsh summer weather. Mortgage Lifter tomatoes will require staking as the vines can produce multiple tomatoes that are 1-2 lbs each. 

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are an indeterminate variety. Plants usually mature in about 85 days. Because they are an heirloom variety, these tomatoes have a unique old fashioned tomato flavour. Great on sandwiches or your favourite summer burger recipes. 

These tomatoes mature a little later in the season. But, their amazing tomato flavour is well worth the wait. Mortgage Lifter is a true classic tomato dating back to the 1930s. If you haven’t tried planting these tomatoes yet in your garden, what are you waiting for?

Best time to start tomatoes by seed in zones 6a & 6b

If you’re new to growing your own tomatoes by seed, the best time to get started in zone 6 is mid to late March. This way, you will be able to get a head start on the season. Depending on your last frost date, starting them in March will give you plenty of time to develop healthy seedlings. 

Starting tomatoes by seed will require adequate light and heat. You can use grow lights and heat mats. Or, if it’s not in your budget this year or you don’t have the space, you can also get your seeds started in a sunny windowsill or heated greenhouse. 

If you’re growing in a northern zone, look for varieties to plant that are cold hardy. This will help them to stand up a bit better to the fluctuating temperatures typical of growing in zone 6. 

Frequently asked questions about growing tomatoes by seed

How long do tomatoes take to grow from seed?

On average, tomatoes need about 4-8 weeks of growth indoors before they are ready to transplant outdoors. Transplanting them outdoors will depend on your local weather conditions and final frost date. 

What is the best month to plant tomato seeds?

If you’re growing in zones 5 or 6, the best month to get started growing tomatoes from seed indoors is March. Aim for mid to late March for best results. 

How many tomato seeds per hole?

When you are starting your tomato seeds, do not start more than 3 seeds in each cell or hole. You always want to plant a couple in each cell so you can ensure that you are able to get a viable seedling in case some seeds don’t take. If 2-3 take in the same cell, these will need to be thinned or separated into different containers for further growth. Otherwise, the seedlings will compete with each other for nutrients. 

What makes tomato seeds grow faster?

For healthy growth and development, tomato seeds will need adequate light and heat for the seeds to germinate. You can use grow lights, a sunny windowsill, or inside a heated greenhouse. Heat mats help to mimic the heat of the sun to support growth. 

Should I soak tomato seeds before planting?

If you recently purchased your seeds this year, you shouldn’t have to soak them to support germination. If your seeds are older and you are worried about germination rates, you can soak them in water for 24 hours before planting. Tomato seeds are usually still viable up to 4-6 years after purchase if stored correctly. 

What is the easiest tomato to grow from seed?

If you’re new to growing tomatoes by seed, you can never go wrong with growing cherry tomatoes. They are relatively easy to care for. And, many hybrid varieties are bred specifically for growing in containers if space is an issue for you. Cherry tomatoes are also great for growing with children. And, they make the perfect quick garden snack!

How do you control blossom end rot?

Struggled with blossom end rot in the past? Check out our handy guide with all the tips and tricks to combat this pesky problem!

Looking for how to prune tomatoes?

Check out our handy guide full of great tips to get your successfully pruning your tomatoes in no time.

Final thoughts on the best tomatoes to grow in zones 6a & 6b

For gardeners with a shorter growing season, finding the best tomato varieties to grow can sometimes be a challenge. Lucky for growers like us in zone 6, there are several tried and true tomatoes that work well in our climate and growing conditions. 

If you’re new to growing your own tomatoes by seed in zones 6a or 6b, why not give some of the tomatoes in today’s blog a try? Who knows? You might just discover a new favourite to add to your garden this year!

Until next time gardening friends, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all of the latest releases of our handy gardening guides. Looking for that perfect Canadian-made gift? Our online shop is bursting with new handmade products for everyone on your list. Uniquely handcrafted using the finest materials just for you right here in Nova Scotia, Canada. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss out on any of the updates here at Bluenose Blooms or new product launches!