Not sure which are the best open field tomato varieties in Kenya? Generally, the best open-field tomato varieties in Kenya include Roma VF, Marglobe, Tylka, Rio Grande, and Money Maker, all known for their high yield and adaptability.
Tomato farming is a popular agricultural activity in Kenya due to the high demand for tomatoes in local and regional markets.
Selecting the right tomato variety is crucial for achieving high yields and quality produce.
This article explores the 20 best open field tomato varieties in Kenya, highlighting their unique features, adaptability to different climates, and their suitability for various market needs.
20 Best Open Field Tomato Varieties In Kenya
1. Roma VF
Roma VF is a determinate variety known for its disease resistance, especially to Verticillium and Fusarium wilt. It produces oblong, plum-shaped fruits that are excellent for canning and making sauces. The plants are compact, making them ideal for open field cultivation in Kenya.
Roma VF is favored for its uniform fruit size and high yield potential. The variety thrives in warm climates and has a relatively short maturity period, allowing for multiple harvests within a year. Its thick skin and firm flesh ensure good shelf life and transportation quality.
Pros:
- Disease resistant
- High yield
- Compact growth
- Uniform fruit size
- Short maturity
- Thick skin
- Firm flesh
Cons:
- Not ideal fresh
- Needs staking
- Requires pruning
2. Marglobe
Marglobe is an heirloom tomato variety that produces medium to large, round, red fruits. This variety is known for its resistance to Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt, making it a reliable choice for Kenyan farmers. Marglobe tomatoes are versatile and can be used for both fresh consumption and processing.
Marglobe plants are vigorous and have a determinate growth habit. They produce a heavy crop of flavorful tomatoes that mature in about 75 days. This variety is suitable for regions with moderate to high temperatures and performs well in open field conditions.
Pros:
- Heirloom variety
- Disease resistant
- Versatile use
- Vigorous plants
- Heavy crop
- Flavorful fruits
- Quick maturity
Cons:
- Determinate growth
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
3. Tylka
Tylka is a popular tomato variety in Kenya, known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium-sized, round, and have a deep red color. Tylka tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Tylka plants are semi-determinate, meaning they have a compact growth habit but continue to produce fruits over a longer period. The variety performs well in various climatic conditions, making it suitable for different regions in Kenya.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Versatile use
- Disease resistant
- Semi-determinate
- Compact growth
- Climatic adaptability
Cons:
- Needs support
- Prone to cracking
- Requires regular watering
4. Rio Grande
Rio Grande is a determinate tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are oblong, with a rich red color, and are ideal for processing into sauces and pastes. This variety is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt, making it a reliable choice for Kenyan farmers.
Rio Grande plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year. Its thick skin and firm flesh ensure good shelf life and transportation quality.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Thick skin
Cons:
- Determinate growth
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
5. Money Maker
Money Maker is an indeterminate tomato variety that produces medium-sized, round, red fruits. This variety is known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality, making it a popular choice among Kenyan farmers. Money Maker tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing.
Money Maker plants are vigorous and have a long growing season, allowing for continuous fruit production. The variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. It performs well in various climatic conditions, making it suitable for different regions in Kenya.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Indeterminate growth
- Long growing season
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Needs staking
- Requires pruning
- Susceptible to pests
6. Tanya
Tanya is a determinate tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium-sized, round, and have a rich red color. Tanya tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Tanya plants are compact and have a short maturity period, allowing for multiple harvests within a year. The variety performs well in various climatic conditions, making it suitable for different regions in Kenya.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
- Climatic adaptability
Cons:
- Determinate growth
- Needs support
- Prone to cracking
7. Pioneer
Pioneer is a popular tomato variety in Kenya, known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium-sized, round, and have a deep red color. Pioneer tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Pioneer plants are semi-determinate, meaning they have a compact growth habit but continue to produce fruits over a longer period. The variety performs well in various climatic conditions, making it suitable for different regions in Kenya.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Versatile use
- Disease resistant
- Semi-determinate
- Compact growth
- Climatic adaptability
Cons:
- Needs support
- Prone to cracking
- Requires regular watering
8. Ace 55
Ace 55 is a determinate tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium to large, round, and have a rich red color. Ace 55 tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Ace 55 plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Determinate growth
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
9. Amiran
Amiran is a popular tomato variety in Kenya, known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium-sized, round, and have a deep red color. Amiran tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Amiran plants are semi-determinate, meaning they have a compact growth habit but continue to produce fruits over a longer period. The variety performs well in various climatic conditions, making it suitable for different regions in Kenya.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Versatile use
- Disease resistant
- Semi-determinate
- Compact growth
- Climatic adaptability
Cons:
- Needs support
- Prone to cracking
- Requires regular watering
10. Mature Early
Mature Early is a determinate tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium-sized, round, and have a rich red color. Mature Early tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Mature Early plants are compact and have a short maturity period, allowing for multiple harvests within a year. The variety performs well in various climatic conditions, making it suitable for different regions in Kenya.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
- Climatic adaptability
Cons:
- Determinate growth
- Needs support
- Prone to cracking
11. Hysky F1
Hysky F1 is a hybrid tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium to large, round, and have a rich red color. Hysky F1 tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Hysky F1 plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Hybrid seeds
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
12. Shanty F1
Shanty F1 is a hybrid tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium-sized, round, and have a deep red color. Shanty F1 tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Shanty F1 plants are semi-determinate, meaning they have a compact growth habit but continue to produce fruits over a longer period. The variety performs well in various climatic conditions, making it suitable for different regions in Kenya.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Versatile use
- Disease resistant
- Semi-determinate
- Compact growth
- Climatic adaptability
Cons:
- Hybrid seeds
- Needs support
- Prone to cracking
13. Matoke F1
Matoke F1 is a hybrid tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium to large, round, and have a rich red color. Matoke F1 tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Matoke F1 plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Hybrid seeds
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
14. Sprinter F1
Sprinter F1 is a hybrid tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium to large, round, and have a rich red color. Sprinter F1 tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Sprinter F1 plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Hybrid seeds
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
15. Cal J
Cal J is a determinate tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium to large, round, and have a rich red color. Cal J tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Cal J plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Determinate growth
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
16. Rafiki F1
Rafiki F1 is a hybrid tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium to large, round, and have a rich red color. Rafiki F1 tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Rafiki F1 plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Hybrid seeds
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
17. Hobbit F1
Hobbit F1 is a hybrid tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium to large, round, and have a rich red color. Hobbit F1 tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Hobbit F1 plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Hybrid seeds
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
18. Rambo F1
Rambo F1 is a hybrid tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium to large, round, and have a rich red color. Rambo F1 tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Rambo F1 plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Hybrid seeds
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
19. Monalisa F1
Monalisa F1 is a hybrid tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium to large, round, and have a rich red color. Monalisa F1 tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Monalisa F1 plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Hybrid seeds
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
20. Flora-Dade
Flora-Dade is a determinate tomato variety known for its high yield and excellent fruit quality. The fruits are medium to large, round, and have a rich red color. Flora-Dade tomatoes are suitable for both fresh consumption and processing, making them a versatile choice for farmers.
This variety is resistant to several common tomato diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Flora-Dade plants are vigorous and have a compact growth habit, making them suitable for open field cultivation. The variety matures in about 75 to 80 days, allowing for multiple harvests within a year.
Pros:
- High yield
- Excellent quality
- Disease resistant
- Vigorous plants
- Compact growth
- Quick maturity
- Versatile use
Cons:
- Determinate growth
- Needs support
- Susceptible to pests
Best Open Field Tomato Varieties In Kenya FAQs
1. What are the best tomato varieties for open field cultivation in Kenya?
The best tomato varieties for open field cultivation in Kenya include Roma VF, Marglobe, Tylka, Rio Grande, Money Maker, Tanya, Pioneer, Ace 55, Amiran, Mature Early, Hysky F1, Shanty F1, Matoke F1, Sprinter F1, Cal J, Rafiki F1, Hobbit F1, Rambo F1, Monalisa F1, and Flora-Dade.
2. How do I choose the right tomato variety for my farm?
Choosing the right tomato variety involves considering factors such as disease resistance, yield potential, fruit quality, climate adaptability, and the intended market (fresh consumption or processing).
3. What is the ideal climate for tomato farming in Kenya?
Tomatoes thrive in warm climates with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C. They require well-drained soils, adequate sunlight, and regular watering for optimal growth.
4. How can I improve the yield of my tomato plants?
Improving tomato yield involves selecting high-yielding varieties, ensuring proper soil preparation, using appropriate fertilizers, implementing pest and disease management practices, and providing adequate water and sunlight.
5. What are the common diseases affecting tomatoes in Kenya?
Common diseases affecting tomatoes in Kenya include Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, bacterial spot, early blight, late blight, and nematodes.
6. How can I control pests in my tomato farm?
Controlling pests in tomato farms involves using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, such as crop rotation, using resistant varieties, applying biological controls, and using chemical pesticides when necessary.
7. What is the best time to plant tomatoes in Kenya?
The best time to plant tomatoes in Kenya is during the rainy seasons, which are from March to May and October to December. However, with proper irrigation, tomatoes can be grown throughout the year.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tomato variety is crucial for successful open field tomato farming in Kenya. The varieties listed above offer a range of options to suit different climatic conditions and market needs.
By selecting high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties, farmers can maximize their productivity and profitability. For those looking to venture into tomato farming or improve their current practices, these varieties provide a solid foundation for success.
Start by assessing your farm’s specific conditions and needs, then choose the varieties that best align with your goals. Happy farming!
Call to Action: If you’re ready to enhance your tomato farming practices and boost your yields, consider integrating these top 20 open field tomato varieties into your farming strategy. Reach out to local agricultural extension services for additional support and guidance on optimizing your tomato production