19 Early Season Tomato Varieties For Your Garden
19 Early Season Tomato Varieties For Your Garden When it comes to planting tomatoes in your garden, choosing the right varieties can make all the difference. The world of tomatoes is vast and diverse, with numerous options to suit every gardener’s taste and preferences. In this article, we will introduce you to 19 early season […]
19 Early Season Tomato Varieties For Your Garden
When it comes to planting tomatoes in your garden, choosing the right varieties can make all the difference. The world of tomatoes is vast and diverse, with numerous options to suit every gardener’s taste and preferences. In this article, we will introduce you to 19 early season tomato varieties that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also help you get a head start on the growing season. These tomatoes are known for their quick maturity and delicious flavor, making them a must-have in your garden.
1. Early Girl
The name says it all – Early Girl is one of the earliest tomatoes to ripen. It typically matures in just 50-60 days. This compact, determinate variety produces vibrant red, medium-sized fruits with a sweet and tangy flavor. Early Girl is perfect for gardeners who can’t wait to enjoy their homegrown tomatoes.
2. Stupice
Stupice is a cold-tolerant tomato that originates from the Czech Republic. It is known for its ability to produce fruit even in cooler conditions. These small, round, and red tomatoes have a delightful, slightly tart taste. Stupice is ready to harvest in approximately 55-60 days, making it an excellent choice for early season gardeners.
3. Sub-Arctic Plenty
Sub-Arctic Plenty lives up to its name by thriving in colder climates. This determinate tomato variety produces small to medium-sized red fruits with a rich, sweet flavor. It typically matures in 45-55 days, making it an ideal option for gardeners in regions with shorter growing seasons.
4. Fourth of July
As the name suggests, Fourth of July tomatoes are perfect for your summer celebrations. These early-season, determinate tomatoes produce small to medium-sized, round, and red fruits. They are known for their delicious, slightly acidic flavor and typically ripen in about 49-55 days.
5. Siberian
Siberian tomatoes are well-suited for cooler climates and can withstand chilly temperatures. This determinate variety produces small, red tomatoes with a sweet, tangy taste. Siberian tomatoes typically ripen in 55-65 days, making them an excellent choice for gardeners in regions with shorter growing seasons.
6. Glacier
Glacier tomatoes are another cold-tolerant option for early-season gardeners. These determinate plants yield small to medium-sized, round, and red tomatoes with a rich, sweet flavor. You can expect them to mature in approximately 55-60 days.
7. Legend
Legend tomatoes are known for their resistance to various tomato diseases, making them a robust choice for your garden. These determinate, medium-sized red tomatoes have a classic, rich tomato flavor. They usually mature in 68-75 days, slightly later than some other early-season varieties.
8. New Yorker
New Yorker tomatoes are compact, determinate plants that are perfect for small gardens or containers. They produce small to medium-sized, round, red tomatoes with a sweet and tangy flavor. New Yorker tomatoes typically mature in 50-60 days.
9. Bush Early Girl
Similar to the classic Early Girl, the Bush Early Girl is a determinate tomato plant that produces medium-sized, red, and flavorful fruits. These tomatoes are perfect for smaller garden spaces and mature in approximately 54-62 days.
10. Patio Princess
Patio Princess tomatoes are the ultimate choice for container gardening. These determinate plants yield small to medium-sized red tomatoes with a sweet and tangy flavor. You can expect them to mature in around 50-60 days.
11. Mighty Mato
Mighty Mato is a unique option for early-season tomatoes. It’s actually a grafted plant, combining the hardiness of rootstock with the flavor of a different tomato variety. These indeterminate plants produce a range of tomato types and are known for their excellent disease resistance.
12. Red Robin
Red Robin tomatoes are perfect for gardeners with limited space. These determinate plants produce small, cherry-sized red tomatoes with a sweet and tangy flavor. They mature quickly, typically in 55-60 days.
13. Roma
Roma tomatoes are ideal for making sauces and pastes. These determinate, medium-sized, and oval-shaped tomatoes have a dense flesh and a rich, low-acid flavor. They usually mature in 75-80 days.
14. Polish Linguisa
Polish Linguisa tomatoes are another great choice for sauce-making. These indeterminate tomatoes produce long, sausage-shaped fruits with a rich, sweet flavor. They typically mature in about 75-85 days.
15. Submarine
Submarine tomatoes are a unique variety that’s perfect for slicing. These determinate, elongated red tomatoes have a sweet and slightly tart flavor. They typically mature in 70-75 days.
16. Green Zebra
If you’re looking for something a bit different, Green Zebra tomatoes are a fantastic choice. These indeterminate, medium-sized, green-striped tomatoes have a tart, tangy flavor. They usually mature in 75-80 days.
17. Cherokee Purple
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are known for their striking, deep purple color and rich, sweet flavor. These indeterminate, large tomatoes typically mature in 75-80 days. While they may not be the earliest, their unique appearance and taste make them worth the wait.
18. Black Krim
Black Krim tomatoes are another visually stunning option. These indeterminate, large tomatoes have a dark, almost black color and a sweet, earthy flavor. They typically mature in 75-85 days.
19. San Marzano
San Marzano tomatoes are legendary for their use in Italian cuisine. These determinate, elongated tomatoes are perfect for making tomato sauces and pastes. They typically mature in about 75-80 days, rewarding your patience with rich, sweet flavor.
With these 19 early season tomato varieties, your garden will be bursting with delicious, homegrown tomatoes in no time. Whether you prefer the classic reds or want to experiment with unique colors and flavors, there’s a perfect tomato variety for you. Get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor as you savor the taste of early-season tomatoes fresh from your garden.
FAQ
Q1. How do I choose the right early season tomato variety for my garden?
When selecting an early season tomato variety for your garden, consider factors like your climate, available space, and taste preferences. If you have a short growing season, choose a variety with a shorter maturity period. Determinate tomatoes are usually a good choice for early harvests.
Q2. What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes?
Determinate tomatoes are compact plants that stop growing once they set fruit and tend to mature earlier. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season, typically taking longer to mature.
Q3. Can I grow early season tomatoes in containers?
Yes, many early season tomato varieties are well-suited for container gardening. Look for compact or determinate varieties if you have limited space.
Q4. How can I extend the tomato growing season?
To extend the tomato growing season, consider starting your plants indoors
in the early spring to get a head start. Transplant them outdoors once the threat of frost has passed. You can also use season-extending techniques like row covers, cloches, or greenhouses to protect your tomato plants from adverse weather conditions. This will allow you to enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes for an extended period.
Q5. Are there any specific care tips for early season tomatoes?
Early season tomatoes require the same care as other tomato varieties. Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight, at least 6-8 hours a day. Provide adequate support for the plants, such as stakes or cages, to keep the fruit off the ground. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Additionally, you can apply a balanced tomato fertilizer to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
Q6. Can I save seeds from early season tomatoes for next year?
Yes, you can save seeds from early season tomatoes for the next growing season. To do this, select healthy, ripe tomatoes from your plants. Squeeze the seeds onto a paper towel and let them dry for a few days. Once they are dry, store them in a cool, dark place. Keep in mind that if you are growing hybrid tomatoes, the saved seeds may not produce the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Q7. What is the best way to enjoy early season tomatoes?
Early season tomatoes are perfect for enjoying fresh in salads, sandwiches, and salsas. Their sweet and tangy flavors add a burst of freshness to your dishes. You can also use them in early-season sauces or preserves to savor that garden-fresh taste throughout the year.
Q8. Are there any common pests or diseases that affect early season tomatoes?
Early season tomatoes can be susceptible to common tomato pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for issues like aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms. Additionally, diseases like early blight and powdery mildew can affect your plants. Using organic pest control methods and practicing good garden hygiene can help prevent and address these challenges.
Q9. Can I grow early season tomatoes in containers on a balcony or small patio?
Absolutely! Many early season tomato varieties are well-suited for container gardening, making them a great choice for small spaces. Choose a large enough container, ensure it has proper drainage, and provide support for the plants. You can enjoy delicious, homegrown tomatoes even on a small balcony or patio.
Q10. How do I know when my early season tomatoes are ready to be harvested?
Early season tomatoes are ready to be harvested when they reach their full color and have a slightly soft feel when gently squeezed. Use your judgment and taste preference to determine the exact ripeness you desire. Harvesting them at their peak of flavor ensures the best taste.
In conclusion, early season tomatoes offer an exciting start to the gardening season, allowing you to enjoy the taste of fresh, homegrown tomatoes sooner. With various options to choose from, including determinate and indeterminate varieties, you can find the perfect early season tomato for your garden. Whether you have a small space or a large garden, there’s a tomato variety that suits your needs. Happy gardening, and enjoy your bountiful harvest of early season tomatoes!
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