How to Grow Early Fall Tomato
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Early Fall Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Fall'
vegetableEarly Fall is a determinate tomato variety bred specifically for fall garden production, offering reliable yields in shorter growing seasons. This compact plant produces medium-sized, flavorful red fruits that mature quickly, making it ideal for late-summer plantings in regions with early frosts. The variety is known for disease resistance and consistent productivity even in cooler autumn conditions.
When should you plant Early Fall Tomato in your zone?
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Example Early Fall Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Early Fall 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 Early Fall Tomato
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Early Fall Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-9; excellent for fall gardens in northern climates and late plantings everywhere
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves). First true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks.
Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily to prevent leggy growth. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Maintain 70-75°F temperature.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple true leaves and sturdy stem. Transplants establish roots and begin vigorous leaf growth.
Harden off seedlings gradually before outdoor planting. Plant transplants deeply to encourage root development. Pinch off lower leaves once in ground. Stake or cage early for determinate types.
Flowering
2-3 weeksFirst flower clusters appear in the leaf axils. Flowers are small, yellow, and self-pollinating.
Maintain consistent watering to prevent blossom-end rot. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer. Pollinate gently by hand or tap flowers for better set in cool weather.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksFlowers set fruit; small green tomatoes develop and enlarge. Plants may require support as fruit weight increases.
Water deeply and consistently; inconsistent watering causes fruit cracking. Prune suckers moderately. Monitor for pests and diseases. Apply mulch to regulate soil temperature.
Harvest
2-4 weeksFruits turn deep red and soften. Early Fall produces dense fruit clusters ready for picking.
Harvest ripe tomatoes regularly to encourage continued production. Pick at breaker stage for ripening indoors. Cut stems rather than pulling to avoid plant damage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick regularly; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); encourage parasitic wasps
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Yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; reflective mulches
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Increase humidity; spray with water forcefully; use miticide if severe
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Spray with water; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
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Remove lower leaves; improve air circulation; apply copper or sulfur fungicides; water at base only
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryEarly Fall tomatoes are flavorful and ideal for fresh consumption, slicing, and salads. Their medium size and balanced sweetness make them versatile for summer and early fall harvests. [source]
Sauce and preservation
CulinaryGood acidity balance makes Early Fall suitable for canning, sauce-making, and other preservation methods. Can be processed into salsa, paste, or juice. [source]
Nutritional benefits
MedicinalRich in lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium, tomatoes support heart health and immune function. Best antioxidant content when fully ripe. [source]
Fall garden production
HouseholdSpecifically bred for short seasons and fall conditions, Early Fall extends the harvest season in northern climates and allows late-summer plantings everywhere. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeTomato flowers attract bees and beneficial insects. Growing tomatoes in a diverse garden supports 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
Early Fall is ready 55-70 days from transplanting, typically in late August through September. Harvest fruits when fully red and slightly soft to the touch. Pick regularly to encourage continued flowering. For fall gardens, harvest before first frost by picking at breaker stage (white spotting visible) and ripening indoors at 65-70°F. Vine-ripened fruits have best flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Early Fall was developed to mature reliably in short growing seasons, making it invaluable for gardeners in zones 3-5 who want fall tomato harvests before the first frost.
- 🌱 Determinate tomatoes like Early Fall produce most of their fruit in a concentrated period rather than spreading fruit production throughout the season, making them ideal for succession planting and processing.
- 🌱 Tomato plants continue to ripen fruit at the vine even as temperatures drop in fall, often producing sweeter fruits due to the cooler nights.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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