local
5 tomato superstars for a mouthwatering summer harvest
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· June 21, 2026
· 3 min read
By JESSICA DAMIANO
The Associated Press
Tomato time is my favorite time.
In spring, the anticipation of slicing into a juicy, meaty ball of perfection has me planting more than I should. By midsummer, plumping tomatoes on fragrant vines motivate me. And in late summer, when the payoff arrives he...
Key takeaway And in late summer, when the payoff arrives here in my zone 7 garden, I’m reminded why they’re the most popular backyard vegetable.
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa gardeners, the warm Texas climate means a longer growing season, perfect for cultivating a bounty of tomatoes. The five superstar varieties highlighted, including Bull's hearts, Rutgers, and Big Boys, are well-suited for the Permian Basin's sunny conditions, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. With proper care, including about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week, these plants can thrive in local gardens. The fact that these varieties can be ready for harvesting in about 75 to 80 days is especially relevant for Odessa gardeners, who can take advantage of the region's long summers to enjoy a prolonged tomato harvest. As local gardeners consider which tomato varieties to plant, they may want to explore these tried-and-true options, which have proven successful in other parts of the country and can likely flourish in Odessa's climate.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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What is this story about? By JESSICA DAMIANO
The Associated Press
Tomato time is my favorite time.
In spring, the anticipation of slicing into a juicy, meaty ball of perfection has me planting more than I should. By midsummer, plumping tomatoes on fragrant vines motivate me. And in late summer, when the payoff arrives he...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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