Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes: Extreme Cold Variety Guide

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes are one of the most cold-tolerant tomato varieties ever developed. Bred specifically for extreme climates with very short summers, this variety is famous for its ability to grow, flower, and set fruit in cool temperatures where most tomatoes fail. For UK gardeners dealing with cold springs, exposed plots, northern locations, or unpredictable summers, Sub Arctic Plenty is one of the most reliable tomatoes you can grow.

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This extreme cold variety guide explains how to grow Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes successfully, focusing on cold tolerance, early planting, sowing, care, watering, feeding, harvesting, and common challenges. With the right approach, this variety can deliver dependable harvests even in very poor growing seasons.

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What Are Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes?

Sub Arctic Plenty is an ultra-early, cold-tolerant tomato variety originally bred for sub-arctic regions with extremely short growing seasons. Plants are bush (determinate) types, meaning they grow to a compact size and produce a concentrated crop rather than fruiting continuously.

The fruits are small to medium-sized, round tomatoes that ripen to a bright red colour. While flavour is mild rather than gourmet, the main strength of Sub Arctic Plenty lies in its reliability and speed in cold conditions.

This variety is widely regarded as one of the toughest tomatoes available for outdoor growing.

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Why Grow Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes?

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes are grown when reliability matters more than refinement.

Key advantages include:
• Exceptional cold tolerance
• Extremely early cropping
• Reliable fruit set in cool weather
• Compact plants suitable for small spaces
• Ideal for short or poor summers

They are perfect for gardeners who have failed with standard tomato varieties due to cold, wind, or lack of summer heat.

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How Cold-Tolerant Are Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes?

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes are among the most cold-hardy tomatoes available.

They can:
• Grow and flower in very cool temperatures
• Set fruit when nights remain cold
• Be planted earlier than most tomato varieties
• Continue cropping in poor summers

While they are not frost-proof, they tolerate cold far better than typical tomatoes and recover quickly from chilly conditions.

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Best Place to Grow Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes

This variety is designed for outdoor growing.

Outdoors

Sub Arctic Plenty performs best in open ground, raised beds, or containers where other tomatoes struggle. It is ideal for exposed gardens and northern UK locations.

Containers and Raised Beds

Containers and raised beds warm up faster in spring, making them an excellent choice for early planting and faster establishment.

Under Cover

Growing under cover is possible but unnecessary. Sub Arctic Plenty’s strength is outdoor reliability rather than greenhouse performance.

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When to Sow Sub Arctic Plenty Tomato Seeds

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes can be sown earlier than most varieties.

In the UK, typical sowing times are:
• Late February to early March for early crops
• Mid-March for standard outdoor growing

Seeds germinate best at temperatures between 18–22°C and usually emerge within 7–14 days.

Early sowing requires good light to prevent weak, leggy growth.

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How to Sow Sub Arctic Plenty Tomato Seeds

Fill clean seed trays or small pots with fine, moist seed compost. Sow seeds thinly on the surface and cover lightly with compost or vermiculite.

Water gently and place in a warm location. Once seedlings appear, move them into bright light immediately.

When seedlings develop their first true leaves, pot them on into individual pots, handling seedlings by the leaves rather than the stems.

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Growing Conditions for Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes

Light

Although cold-tolerant, Sub Arctic Plenty still needs good light. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Temperature

This variety tolerates cooler conditions than almost any other tomato, with good growth at lower temperatures that would stall standard varieties.

Airflow

Good airflow reduces disease risk, especially in cool, damp weather. Space plants well and avoid overcrowding.

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When to Plant Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes Outdoors

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes can be planted outdoors earlier than most varieties.

In many UK locations, planting is possible from early to mid-May, depending on local conditions.

Always harden plants off thoroughly over 7–10 days. Use fleece or cloches for protection if cold nights are forecast.

Avoid planting into waterlogged soil, which is more damaging than cold air.

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Planting Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes

Spacing

Space plants around 40–45cm apart. Although compact, good spacing improves airflow and fruit quality.

Planting Depth

Plant deeply, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. This encourages strong root development and improves plant stability.

Soil Preparation

Improve soil with garden compost before planting. Well-drained soil is essential, especially in cold, wet conditions.

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Growing Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes in Containers

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes grow very well in containers.

Choose pots at least 25–30cm wide and deep. Containers warm up faster than open ground, helping promote earlier growth and faster fruiting.

Because pots dry out faster, monitor watering carefully, especially during warmer spells.

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Do Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes Need Support or Pruning?

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes are bush (determinate) plants.

They do not require side-shoot removal. Pruning can reduce yield and is not recommended.

Light support can be helpful:
• Short canes or small cages
• Prevent branches bending under fruit weight
• Keep fruit off damp soil

Heavy staking is unnecessary.

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Watering Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes

Consistent watering supports steady growth and fruit development.

Water deeply and regularly, keeping soil evenly moist. Avoid waterlogging, which is more likely in cool weather and can damage roots.

Always water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves to reduce disease risk.

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Feeding Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes are light to moderate feeders.

Once flowers appear, start feeding with a balanced or high-potassium tomato feed. Feed weekly to support fruit development.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth and delays ripening.

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Harvesting Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes are extremely early.

Fruits are ready to harvest when fully red and slightly soft to the touch.

Because plants produce a concentrated crop, harvesting often happens over a short period, making them ideal for quick yields.

Under poor summer conditions, Sub Arctic Plenty often outperforms many other varieties.

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Flavour and Uses

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes have a mild, classic tomato flavour.

They are suitable for:
• Fresh salads
• Sandwiches
• General cooking
• Everyday kitchen use

They are valued for reliability and speed rather than sweetness or gourmet taste.

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Common Problems with Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes

Soft or Mild Flavour

Caused by cool conditions. This is normal for extreme cold varieties.

Slow Growth in Very Cold Soil

Even cold-tolerant tomatoes need reasonable soil conditions. Use raised beds or containers to improve warmth and drainage.

Yellowing Leaves

Often caused by cold, wet soil. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.

Disease

Early cropping helps Sub Arctic Plenty avoid many late-season diseases.

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Saving Seeds from Sub Arctic Plenty Tomatoes

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes are open-pollinated and suitable for seed saving.

Allow fruits to fully ripen. Scoop out seeds, ferment briefly in water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before storage.

Store seeds in a cool, dry place and label clearly.

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When to Stop Sub Arctic Plenty Tomato Plants Growing

As a determinate variety, Sub Arctic Plenty naturally stops growing once fruit sets.

Towards mid to late summer, remove new flowers and very small green fruits that are unlikely to ripen. This helps plants focus energy on existing fruit.

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Tips for Extreme Cold Success

• Use raised beds or containers to warm soil
• Harden plants off thoroughly
• Protect plants with fleece early in the season
• Avoid waterlogged soil
• Feed lightly once fruiting begins

These steps maximise performance in poor weather.

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Final Thoughts

Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes are one of the toughest and most reliable tomato varieties available for cold climates and short growing seasons. While they may not deliver gourmet flavour, they excel where many tomatoes completely fail.

With early sowing, careful planting, steady watering, and minimal feeding, Sub Arctic Plenty tomatoes can provide dependable harvests even in the coldest, most challenging summers. For UK gardeners facing extreme conditions, this variety remains one of the safest and most resilient tomato choices you can grow.

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