The San Francisco Fog tomato is an heirloom variety specifically celebrated for its ability to produce fruit in cool, damp, and overcast climates, conditions that typically hinder the growth of most other tomato types. This makes it a go-to choice for gardeners in coastal regions, particularly its namesake city, San Francisco, where summer fog is a prevalent feature.
Enter the hero of our story: the San Francisco Fog tomato.
This isn’t just a plant; it’s a testament to adaptation and a secret weapon for any gardener battling the summer gloom. If you’ve all but given up on growing your own tomatoes, this remarkable heirloom might just be the one to change your mind.
What Makes the San Francisco Fog Tomato So Special?
As its name suggests, this tomato was developed and stabilized specifically to thrive in the unique, cool-summer microclimate of the San Francisco Bay Area. While other tomatoes need consistent heat and long, sunny days to produce, the SF Fog tomato scoffs at such requirements.
Here’s its claim to fame:
- Cool-Weather tolerant: This is its superpower. It sets fruit reliably in temperatures that would cause other varieties to drop their blossoms. It’s one of the few tomatoes that will actually give you a respectable harvest in a foggy, coastal zone.
- Early Producer: It’s a relatively quick-maturing variety, often producing its first fruits in about 70 days from transplant. This is a huge advantage when the warm season is short.
- Disease Resistance: Bred for damp conditions, it has a natural, robust resistance to the fungal diseases that plague tomatoes in humid or foggy weather, especially late blight (Phytophthora infestans).
- Compact Growth: While it’s an indeterminate variety (meaning it will keep growing and producing until frost), it tends to have a more compact and manageable growth habit than sprawling giants like ‘Brandywine’. This makes it an excellent choice for container gardening on a foggy balcony or patio.
The Flavor Profile: A True Tomato Taste
Don’t assume that a tomato bred for toughness lacks in the flavor department. The San Francisco Fog tomato won’t give you the sugary sweetness of a ‘Sun Gold’ cherry tomato that has been baking in 90°F () heat. Instead, it delivers something beautifully classic.
The fruit is typically a small-to-medium “saladette” size, around 2-3 inches in diameter, and a vibrant red. The taste is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a rich, robust, and distinctly tomato-y flavor. It’s the kind of tomato that tastes fantastic sliced onto a sandwich, tossed in a fresh salad, or used in a quick, bright-tasting sauce.
How to Grow the San Francisco Fog Tomato
Growing this variety is straightforward, especially if you keep its origins in mind.
- Sourcing Seeds: You’ll find these seeds in heirloom seed catalogs, especially those based on the West Coast, or through online seed-swapping communities. Look for reputable suppliers like Redwood City Seed Company, which was instrumental in its history.
- Location, Location, Location: Even a fog-loving tomato appreciates the sun. Give it the absolute sunniest spot you have. Good air circulation is equally critical to help dry the leaves and prevent disease, so avoid cramming it into a crowded corner.
- Planting & Soil: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant them into a large container (at least 5 gallons) or into a garden bed with rich, well-draining soil. Amending with compost is always a great idea.
- Watering: This is key! Always water the base of the plant, directly onto the soil. Avoid getting the leaves wet. Watering in the morning is best, as it gives the plant all day to dry out before the cool, damp evening fog rolls in.
- Support: It’s an indeterminate vine, so it needs support. A sturdy tomato cage or a tall stake will keep the plant upright, improve air circulation, and keep your precious fruit off the ground.
Your Ticket to Tomato Success
The San Francisco Fog tomato is more than just a plant; it’s a morale booster. It’s the joy of harvesting a perfect, red tomato from your own garden, even when the sky is grey. It’s a piece of local horticultural history, perfectly adapted to its environment.
If you’ve been frustrated by fickle tomato plants and gloomy summers, don’t throw in the trowel. Give the San Francisco Fog a try. You might be surprised to find that your garden’s greatest challenge was just waiting for its perfect match.
Have you grown the San Francisco Fog tomato? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!