How to Grow Commander Tomato
Wikimedia Commons
Commander Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Commander'
vegetableCommander is a determinate paste tomato variety bred for disease resistance and reliable production of uniform, oblong fruits ideal for sauce and processing. It was developed specifically for commercial and home growers seeking a robust plant that resists multiple common tomato diseases while producing consistent yields of meaty, low-seed fruit.
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Example Commander Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Commander 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 Commander Tomato
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Commander Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; ideal for zones 5-9 where warm season is reliable
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny sprouts with cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge 5-10 days after planting; first true leaves appear within 2 weeks
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light 14-16 hours daily under grow lights; maintain 65-75°F; use well-draining seed-starting mix
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeks before transplanting outdoorsPlant develops 4-6 true leaves and establishes a robust root system; stem thickens and first sets of true leaves are clearly visible; plant reaches 3-6 inches tall
Thin seedlings or transplant to larger pots; begin gentle fertilizing with dilute balanced fertilizer every 1-2 weeks; lower nighttime temperature to 55-65°F to encourage stocky growth; harden off 7-10 days before outdoor planting
Establishment & Early Growth
3-4 weeksPlant reaches 8-15 inches tall after transplanting to garden; establishes in ground with accelerated growth; leaf development and stem elongation increase significantly
Provide sturdy stakes or cages early; water deeply and regularly; mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic mulch; apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; prune lower leaves as plant grows to improve air circulation
Flowering & Fruit Set
3-4 weeksFirst flower clusters appear and develop yellow flowers; small green fruits begin forming at cluster bases; plant is 18-24 inches tall and bushy
Maintain consistent watering as fruit begins developing; switch to higher phosphorus/potassium fertilizer to support fruiting; ensure adequate calcium availability to prevent blossom-end rot; monitor closely for early blight and disease pressure; maintain good air circulation
Fruiting & Harvest
4-6 weeks plus ongoing harvestFruits mature from green to deep red-orange; multiple fruit clusters at various ripeness stages; plant reaches mature height of 24-36 inches as a determinate variety
Harvest ripe fruits regularly to encourage continued production; maintain consistent watering during hot spells; continue disease monitoring and foliage management; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive late growth; fruits can be picked at breaker stage (first blush of color) and ripened indoors
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Handpick early instars; encourage parasitic wasps; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for severe infestations; inspect plants regularly, especially leaf undersides
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Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days; use reflective mulches; install yellow sticky traps; ensure adequate air circulation; introduce parasitic wasps
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Increase humidity and water misting; spray neem oil or miticide; remove heavily infested leaves; encourage predatory mites; avoid excessive nitrogen
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Spray strong water stream to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; reflective mulches deter colonization
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Remove infected lower leaves as soon as spotted; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide or chlorothalonil at first signs; mulch to prevent soil splash; rotate crops annually
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Remove infected leaves promptly; maintain good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide (chlorothalonil, copper, or mancozeb) preventively in humid conditions; space plants adequately
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Ensure excellent air circulation; avoid overhead irrigation; apply copper fungicide preventively in cool, wet weather; remove and destroy infected plant material; choose resistant varieties when possible
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Use resistant varieties (Commander has some resistance); rotate crops 3+ years; remove infected plants entirely; solarize soil if problem is severe; no effective fungicide
Uses
Sauce & Paste Production
CulinaryCommander's meaty, low-seed fruits are ideal for making tomato sauce, tomato paste, and concentrated products. The oblong shape and solid interior make processing efficient with minimal liquid reduction. [source]
Canning & Preservation
CulinaryThe high solids content and acidity make Commander excellent for water-bath canning, whether as whole fruits, sauce, or paste. Reliable ripening ensures uniform product quality. [source]
Fresh Eating & Cooking
CulinaryWhile bred primarily for processing, Commander produces flavorful tomatoes suitable for fresh use in salads, cooking, and salsas. The firm texture holds up well in cooked applications. [source]
Nutritional Health Benefits
MedicinalTomatoes, including Commander, are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant with potential cardiovascular and anti-cancer properties. Also provide vitamin C, potassium, and folate. [source]
Home Garden Production Efficiency
HouseholdCommander's determinate growth habit and disease resistance make it ideal for home gardeners seeking reliable, predictable yields with minimal maintenance. Compact bushy form works well in containers or small spaces. [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 tomatoes reach full color and give slightly to gentle pressure—usually 60-80 days after transplanting. For paste tomatoes like Commander, harvest the entire crop at once when mature, as fruits are bred for simultaneous ripening. Can be harvested at the breaker stage (first blush of color) and ripened on the counter to extend harvest window. For processing, pick when fully ripe and meaty. Gently twist and pull, or use pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Commander was specifically bred to combine disease resistance (particularly to Verticillium and Fusarium wilts) with the reliable production traits preferred by commercial canneries, making it one of the few 'commercial' varieties that performs excellently in home gardens.
- 🌱 As a determinate variety, Commander's growth is genetically programmed to stop at a set height (24-36 inches) and produce nearly all its fruit within a 4-6 week window, making it ideal for canning operations and those who prefer a bulk harvest rather than continuous production.
- 🌱 The paste tomato category (including Commander) produces fruits with naturally lower water content and fewer seeds than slicing tomatoes—sometimes up to 50% more solids—which means you need far less cooking time to reduce sauce to the desired thickness.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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