Variety selection is crucial to profitability in tomato production, particularly in a hoophouse or high tunnel, where costs are higher than in the field. Yield can range widely among varieties – in some trials, some varieties have produced twice as many marketable fruits as others. That makes a big difference in the bottom line.
If you are growing hoophouse tomatoes for the first time, and earliness is your goal, the first step is to get your state Extension recommendations for field varieties. You probably won’t find specific recommendations for hoophouse varieties, but you should focus on early varieties noted for cold tolerance. Also look for varieties with resistance to foliar diseases.
Lewis Jett at the University of Missouri is continuing to trial varieties, but here are some successes from his work so far: BHN 543, Carolina Gold, Florida 47, Florida 91, Floralina, Merced, Mountain Fresh, Mountain Spring.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds recommends these beefsteak varieties: Azafran, Buffalo, Cobra, First Lady, New Girl, Octavio, Trust; and the cherry tomatoes Favorita and Sun Gold.
While you search for the ideal tomato for hoophouse production on your farm, bear in mind that most varieties will perform better in the hoophouse than in the field. That single layer of poly puts you ahead before you even begin.