Growth is slow, a better indicator would be if flowers turn to fruit. I don't know that much about peppers, but you need to find tomatoes that will fruit in a hot environment. I have the opposite problem. I'm in a cooler region. So the only tomato I know that likes heat is Black Krim. As growers here are having a hard time getting this excellent cultivar to ripen in time before season's end. It does ripen, but is very slow and not very productive here. You may also want to try Early Girl, as it ripens quickly. I heard this tomato is not as tasty, but is a very reliable grower.