Heirloom Varieties That Thrive in Hot & Humid Climates | Gardening Tips for Southeast Texas, Athens, GA and Virginia
Gardening in hot and humid climates can be challenging, but with the right heirloom varieties, you can have a successful harvest. For those living in Athens, Georgia, there are several heirlooms that do well in the area’s summer heat. Carolina Dusk, Cherokee Purple, Indian Zebra, Eva Purple Ball, Arkansas Traveler, Atkinson, Pale Perfect Purple, and Rutgers are all reliable choices for this region.
In Virginia’s hot and humid summers, Stump of the World Kellogg's Breakfast, Armenian Oaxacan Jewel, Moruno de San Pablo, Ananas Noire Cornue des Andes (Andes Horn), Orange Banana, Cuore Antico di Acqui Terme, Pineapple Mediterranean Dikovinka (cherry) and Super Snow White (cherry) have done well. While some of these may not set much fruit during mid/late July due to high temperatures, they will likely produce more as temperatures drop again in August.
For those looking for hybrids that thrive in hot and humid climates, Cherokee Carbon is an excellent choice. This variety sets fruit heavily nearly all summer long and has a delicious flavor.
Finally, gardeners in Southeast Texas should consider Dwarf Tasmanian Chocolate, Dwarf Rosella Purple, New Big Dwarf, Brandywine Suddith, Marianna’s Peace and Stump of the World Prudens Purple for their gardens. These varieties are known to be productive and tasty.
No matter where you live or what type of plants you prefer growing, there are plenty of options available when it comes to finding heirloom varieties that will thrive in hot and humid climates. With careful selection and proper care, your garden can yield a bountiful harvest even in the hottest weather.
What heirloom varieties are recommended for hot and humid summers in Athens, Georgia?
Carolina Dusk, Cherokee Purple, Indian Zebra, Eva Purple Ball, Arkansas Traveler, Atkinson, Pale Perfect Purple, Rutgers, Stump of the World, Kellogg's Breakfast, Armenian Oaxacan Jewel, Moruno de San Pablo, Ananas Noire Cornue des Andes (Andes Horn), Orange Banana, Cuore Antico di Acqui Terme, Pineapple Mediterranean Dikovinka (cherry), Super Snow White (cherry), Dwarf Tasmanian Chocolate, Dwarf Rosella Purple, New Big Dwarf, Brandywine Suddith and Mariannas Peace.
How do these heirlooms perform in hot and humid climates?
These heirlooms/OPs have done well in hot, humid Virginia summers. Some of them may not set much fruit in mid/late July due to high temperatures but fruit set will pick up again in August when temperatures drop a little. Cherokee Carbon (hybrid) does extremely well and sets fruit heavily nearly all summer. In Southeast Texas these varieties have had good production and taste good. In the Pacific Northwest, some of these heirlooms have done well and have been productive. In the Midwest, some of these varieties have had good production in hot and humid summers.