How to Grow Eclipse
Wikimedia Commons
Eclipse
Solanum lycopersicum 'Eclipse'
vegetableEclipse is a determinate tomato variety known for its early maturity and deep red color. It produces medium-sized, flavorful fruits on compact plants, making it ideal for container growing and small spaces. The variety is prized for its reliability and disease resistance.
When should you plant Eclipse in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Eclipse timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Eclipse
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 Eclipse
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Eclipse dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, but can be grown as an annual in zones 3-4 with protection
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Get my Eclipse timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge; first true leaves appear within 1-2 weeks.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily. Maintain temperatures 65-75°F. Thin or transplant when first true leaves appear.
Vegetative
3-4 weeks before flowering beginsPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves and grows taller; stem thickens and more branches form.
Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Provide sturdy support structure. Pinch off lower leaves once plant is established in garden.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall yellow flowers cluster in groups (trusses) along the stem. Flowers open and self-pollinate.
Ensure consistent watering to prevent flower drop. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to higher phosphorus/potassium blend to encourage fruiting. Gently shake flowers on warm days to improve pollination.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksFlowers fade and small green fruits develop at the flower sites. Fruits gradually enlarge and begin color transition from green to red.
Maintain consistent soil moisture; irregular watering causes problems like cracking and blossom end rot. Continue fertilizing with tomato formula. Provide sturdy support as fruit weight increases. Remove lower leaves for air circulation.
Harvest Ready
Ongoing for 2-4 weeks depending on conditionsFruits reach full size and develop deep red color. Skin is firm but yields slightly to gentle pressure.
Harvest when fully red for best flavor and sweetness. Leave attached to plant for 1-2 days after color appears for maximum sugar development. Handle gently to avoid bruising.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; encourage parasitic wasps
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; use yellow sticky traps; maintain good air circulation
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or miticide if severe
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Remove lower leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide
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Ensure good air flow; spray with sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate; remove affected leaves
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryEclipse tomatoes are excellent for fresh slicing, salads, and cooking sauces due to their balanced flavor, sweetness, and acidity. Their medium size makes them convenient for various preparations. [source]
Paste and sauce making
CulinaryThe solid flesh and lower water content of determinate varieties like Eclipse make them suitable for making tomato paste, marinara, and concentrated sauces. [source]
Container and small-space gardening
HouseholdEclipse's compact determinate growth habit and early maturity make it ideal for containers, patios, and small gardens where space is limited. [source]
Nutritional and antioxidant benefits
MedicinalFresh tomatoes, including Eclipse, contain lycopene and other antioxidants linked to cardiovascular health and cancer prevention. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe flowers of Eclipse tomatoes attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity and improving overall fruit set. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick fruits when they reach deep red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Eclipse can be harvested at the 'breaker stage' (when first red appears) and ripened indoors. For peak flavor, allow fruits to fully ripen on the vine. Twist gently or use pruners to detach. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Eclipse is known for its exceptional early maturity compared to other red varieties, often producing ripe fruit just 55 days after transplanting, making it one of the fastest tomatoes to produce a harvest.
- 🌱 The variety's name 'Eclipse' refers to its deep, rich red color that appears to eclipse or darken the appearance of lighter-colored tomato varieties in a garden.
- 🌱 Eclipse is a determinate variety, meaning it grows to a set height and produces most of its fruit in a concentrated period, making it excellent for succession planting and canning.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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