How to Grow UF-667 Tomato
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UF-667 Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'UF-667'
vegetableUF-667 is a determinate (bush) paste tomato variety developed by the University of Florida, bred specifically for processing and fresh market use in warm climates. Known for its disease resistance, consistent yields, and excellent fruit quality, it produces medium-sized, firm tomatoes ideal for sauce and paste production. This cultivar thrives in hot, humid conditions and is particularly popular in Florida and other southeastern growing regions.
When should you plant UF-667 Tomato in your zone?
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Example UF-667 Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant UF-667 Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest UF-667 Tomato
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact UF-667 Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Ideal for warm regions (zones 8b-11); thrives in hot, humid climates like Florida
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Get my UF-667 Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-14 daysTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves, 2-3 inches tall. Cotyledons may still be visible.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide 12-16 hours of bright light daily. Maintain temperature around 70-75°F. Thin or transplant to provide adequate space.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves, becomes bushy, 6-12 inches tall. Dark green foliage dominates; no flowers yet.
Harden off transplants 7-10 days before planting outdoors. Maintain consistent moisture and fertility. Prune to 1-2 main stems for determinate varieties. Begin staking or caging support now.
Flowering
2-3 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters (trusses). Plant reaches 2-4 feet tall depending on pruning. Flowers are tiny, 5-petaled, self-fertile.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to phosphorus/potassium-rich formula. Maintain steady watering. Avoid excessive shade. Monitor for pest damage to flowers. Ensure pollination (air movement helps).
Fruiting & Maturation
3-4 weeksGreen marble-sized fruits develop at flower clusters. Fruits swell, turn light green, then begin blushing yellow/orange before turning deep red.
Maintain consistent watering to prevent blossom end rot and cracking. Continue balanced fertilizer; avoid over-nitrogen. Prune excess foliage carefully to expose fruit to sun, but don't strip all leaves. Monitor for disease and pests intensively.
Harvest
2-4 weeks of peak harvestFruits are fully red, firm, and have reached 2-3 inches in diameter. Determinate varieties ripen in concentrated flushes.
Harvest when fully colored for best flavor and lycopene content. UF-667 is excellent for processing; can be harvested at mature green stage and ripened off the vine if needed. Pick regularly to encourage continued fruit set.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large larvae; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; encourage parasitic wasps; scout plants regularly for damage
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Use reflective mulch; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps; remove heavily infested leaves
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use sulfur or miticide sprays; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
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Remove lower infected leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply copper fungicide; avoid overhead watering
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Remove infected leaves; apply copper fungicide; ensure good air circulation; space plants adequately; stake to improve airflow
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Improve air circulation; apply sulfur or neem oil; reduce shade; avoid overhead watering; ensure consistent spacing
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UF-667 has Fusarium resistance (VF); use resistant varieties; avoid planting in infested soil; maintain soil moisture
Uses
Processing & Sauce Production
CulinaryUF-667 was specifically bred for tomato sauce, paste, and processing applications. Its firm flesh, high solids content, and concentrated ripening make it ideal for commercial and home canning, sauce-making, and paste preparation. [source]
Fresh Market & Cooking
CulinaryWhile optimized for processing, UF-667 produces quality fruit suitable for fresh eating, salads, and cooking. The firm texture holds well during slicing and cooking. [source]
Lycopene-Rich Health Benefits
MedicinalFully ripe red tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Cooking tomatoes increases lycopene bioavailability. [source]
Home Canning & Preservation
HouseholdThe high yield and concentrated ripening of UF-667 makes it perfect for home canning projects. Its firm flesh and balanced acid content meet USDA canning safety standards for sauces and salsas. [source]
Seed Saving
CraftAs a named cultivar, UF-667 seeds can be saved for replanting, though cross-pollination may occur with nearby tomato plants. This variety represents University of Florida breeding work and agricultural heritage. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
UF-667 is a determinate (bush) variety, meaning it flowers and fruits in a concentrated flush, making it ideal for processing. Harvest when fully red for fresh eating or sauce. Can be harvested at mature-green stage and ripened off the vine for shipping or processing. For sauce making, wait for peak ripeness to maximize flavor and lycopene content. Typically ready 65-75 days after transplanting in warm climates. Expect heavy yields over 2-3 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 UF-667 was developed by the University of Florida's horticulture department specifically for warm, humid growing conditions found in Florida and the Southeast, making it one of the few tomato varieties actively bred for hot-climate regions.
- 🌱 As a determinate (bush) variety, UF-667 sets almost all its fruit at once in a concentrated flush, which made it revolutionary for mechanical harvesting in commercial tomato production, especially for processing plants.
- 🌱 The name 'UF' stands for University of Florida, indicating its university breeding program origin. The number '667' is simply the experimental designation from the plant breeding program.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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