How to Grow California Early Tomato
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California Early Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'California Early'
vegetableCalifornia Early is a classic open-pollinated determinate tomato variety bred for early maturity and reliability in cool climates. Known for its dependable production of medium-sized, bright red fruits with good flavor, it was developed by UC Davis and became popular among home gardeners and commercial growers seeking predictable harvests. This heirloom variety produces compact plants ideal for gardens with limited space.
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Example California Early Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant California Early 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 California Early Tomato
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact California Early Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-9; especially valued in zones 3-6 for early ripening before frost
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Get my California Early Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSeed germinates in 6-8 days. Develops cotyledons (seed leaves) followed by first true leaves. Plant is fragile and small.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light (14-16 hours) to prevent leggy growth. Maintain 70-75°F temperature. Keep away from drafts.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves and grows rapidly. Compact, bushy growth pattern typical of determinate varieties. Root system expands significantly.
Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors. Plant in garden after last frost. Support with stakes or cages early. Remove any flowers that appear before transplanting to encourage root development. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer (5-5-5 or similar).
Flowering
3-4 weeks, overlapping with fruitingCompact indeterminate clusters of small yellow flowers appear along the main stem and branches. Flowers are self-pollinating. Multiple flower clusters develop across plant.
Ensure consistent watering to support fruit set. Bees and warm days aid pollination. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which promotes foliage over flowers. Temperatures between 65-75°F optimize fruit set.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksSmall green fruits develop rapidly from flowers. Fruits grow to mature size (2-3 inches diameter) within 10-14 days. Multiple trusses ripen together due to determinate growth habit.
Continue consistent watering to prevent cracking and blossom end rot. Maintain mulch layer (2-3 inches) to regulate soil temperature and moisture. Provide calcium through eggshells or gypsum if deficient. Continue light fertilizing.
Ripening and Harvest
2-4 weeks for peak harvestFruits turn bright red from blossom end upward. Most fruits ripen nearly simultaneously due to determinate nature. Plant may finish production quickly compared to indeterminate varieties.
Harvest when fully red for best flavor. Can pick at 'break stage' (first blush of color) for continued ripening indoors. Reduce watering slightly once majority of fruit is colored to concentrate sugars. Remove suckers on determinate varieties minimally since they produce side fruiting clusters.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for smaller larvae. Encourage parasitic wasps by planting flowering herbs nearby.
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Remove lower leaves as plant grows. Provide good air circulation. Apply copper fungicide or sulfur spray weekly starting at first sign of disease. Water at soil level only.
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Remove infected leaves immediately. Apply fungicides containing chlorothalonil or mancozeb. Space plants adequately for air flow. Avoid wetting foliage.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap. Apply neem oil. Introduce ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
Uses
Slicing and Fresh Cooking
CulinaryCalifornia Early produces medium-sized fruits ideal for slicing fresh into salads and sandwiches. Their balanced sweetness and acidity make them excellent for fresh eating and everyday cooking applications. [source]
Sauce and Preservation
CulinaryThe concentrated harvest period makes California Early excellent for preserving through canning, sauce making, and drying. High acid content and good flavor profile suit production of tomato sauces, paste, and canned products. [source]
Bulk Harvest Processing
HouseholdAs a determinate variety with synchronized ripening, California Early is ideal for gardeners who want a single large harvest suitable for batch cooking, freezing, or sharing with family and friends. [source]
Lycopene-Rich Antioxidant
MedicinalRed tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced risk of certain diseases. Cooking tomatoes increases lycopene bioavailability, making sauces particularly beneficial. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeTomato flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making California Early gardens valuable for supporting local pollinator populations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when fruit is fully red and slightly soft to gentle pressure. California Early produces most fruit in a concentrated window due to its determinate growth; plan for bulk harvest and preservation. Fruits can be picked at 'break stage' (first light coloring) and ripened indoors if needed. Twist gently or use pruning shears to avoid damaging plant. Store at room temperature for best flavor; refrigeration can reduce taste.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 California Early was developed by UC Davis in the 1950s specifically to meet commercial demands for a reliable, early-maturing tomato that could be harvested mechanically before fall frost in cooler regions.
- 🌱 As a determinate (bush) variety, California Early produces most of its fruit within a 3-4 week window, making it especially popular for farmers who want a single harvest for processing, unlike indeterminate varieties that produce continuously throughout the season.
- 🌱 This variety is often credited with making tomato growing possible in short-season climates (zones 3-5) where it can complete its cycle before the first fall frost, earning it cult status among northern gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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