VegetableTomato
Creole Tomato
Creole Tomato is an indeterminate heirloom slicing tomato developed by Louisiana State University in the 1960s, bred specifically for heat and drought tolerance in warm climates. Growing 72 to 96 inches tall, this open-pollinated variety produces high yields of firm, red fruits ready to harvest in 70 to 79 days from transplant. It thrives in zones 2 through 11 and resists multiple serious diseases, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in hot, humid regions where other tomatoes struggle.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-11
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Growth Stats
96 in
Height
TypeIndeterminate
Spacing
24
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-11
Size
96in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Creole Tomato was born from LSU's mission to create a tomato that could handle Louisiana's brutal summers, and it delivers on that promise with genuine drought and heat tolerance that other varieties simply don't possess. The high-yielding vines produce firm, slicing fruits that stay on the vine longer than tender varieties, and its resistance to Fusarium Wilt, Late Blight, and Verticillium Wilt means you'll actually harvest tomatoes instead of watching disease take them down.
Common Uses
As a slicing tomato, Creole Tomato shines in fresh applications where its firm texture and high yields make it dependable for salads, sandwiches, and table use throughout the season. Its heat and drought tolerance mean consistent production in climates where other varieties peter out, making it invaluable for canning and preserving when the season stretches long and hot.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in warm soil (70-80°F) and provide bright light once they germinate. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent damping-off.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 60°F, though Creole Tomato prefers soil closer to 70°F. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Space plants 24 inches apart with 36 inches between rows, and bury the transplant deeper than it grew in the pot to encourage a stronger root system.
Harvesting
Harvest Creole Tomatoes when they reach full red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Pick fruits in the early morning when vines are hydrated, holding the fruit and gently twisting until it releases from the stem. With 70 to 79 days to maturity from transplant, plan your first harvests accordingly. The firm texture means these tomatoes hold on the vine longer than softer varieties, so you can wait for full ripeness without them splitting or dropping.
Pruning
As an indeterminate variety, Creole Tomato benefits from selective pruning to improve air circulation and focus energy on fruit production. Remove the lower leaves once the plant is established to reduce disease pressure from soil-borne pathogens. Pinch out suckers (shoots that grow between the main stem and branches) early in the season to channel energy into the main framework and larger fruits. Stop pruning by mid-summer to allow the plant to set and ripen fruit before season's end.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Solanum lycopersicum
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
Solanum
Growth Habit
Indeterminate
Native Status
L48 (I)AK (I)HI (I)PR (I)VI (I)CAN (W)
History & Origin
“Creole Tomato emerged from Louisiana State University's breeding program in the 1960s, developed in response to the specific climate challenges of the Deep South. Scientists at LSU crossed and selected varieties to create a tomato that could withstand intense heat, humidity, and drought while still delivering the firm fruits Louisiana gardeners and cooks expected. Known originally as the Original Creole Tomato, this variety represents a deliberate effort to give regional gardeners a tomato that works with their climate rather than against it, cementing its place in Louisiana's agricultural heritage.”