How to Grow Ivory Gold
Wikimedia Commons
Ivory Gold
Lycopersicon esculentum 'Ivory Gold'
vegetableIvory Gold is a determinate heirloom tomato variety that produces small, round fruits with a pale yellow to ivory color and a sweet, mild flavor. The compact growth habit makes it ideal for containers and small gardens. These tomatoes are prized for their aesthetic appeal and excellent taste in fresh applications.
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Example Ivory Gold timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ivory Gold
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 Ivory Gold
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ivory Gold dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown as annual in zones 3-4
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves, tender and pale green
Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering to prevent damping off. Bottom heat (70-75°F) accelerates germination.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and leaves, growing compact and bushy. Determinate growth pattern becomes apparent.
Harden off seedlings before transplanting. Plant deeper than original pot to promote strong roots. Provide sturdy support stakes early. Pinch or remove lower leaves as plant matures to improve air circulation.
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall yellow flowers appear in clusters along the stems. Plant reaches its final compact size.
Maintain consistent watering and mulch around base to retain moisture. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure adequate calcium (add crushed eggshells or lime) to prevent blossom end rot. Provide gentle air circulation.
Fruit Development
2-3 weeksSmall green fruits form and begin enlarging to cherry-tomato size. Ivory/pale yellow color develops as fruits mature.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage fruiting over foliage. Continue consistent watering to prevent cracking and splitting. Support branches if heavily laden with fruit. Remove some foliage if needed to expose developing fruits to sunlight.
Harvest
4-6 weeks or until frostFruits reach full pale yellow to ivory color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Flavor peaks at full maturity.
Pick fruits when fully colored for best flavor. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Can pick slightly early and ripen indoors if needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick larvae; encourage parasitic wasps; use neem oil or spinosad if severe
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch; neem oil spray
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Increase humidity; spray with water; neem oil; insecticidal soap
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Remove lower leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; copper fungicide if needed
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Remove infected leaves; avoid overhead watering; copper or sulfur fungicide
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryIvory Gold tomatoes are prized for their sweet, mild flavor and are excellent sliced fresh in salads, on cheese plates, or served whole as a garnish. Their pale color makes them visually striking in mixed heirloom tomato presentations. [source]
Cherry tomato substitute
CulinaryWith their small, bite-sized fruits and sweet taste, they work wonderfully as a decorative and flavorful garnish or appetizer similar to cherry tomatoes. [source]
Ornamental garden feature
HouseholdThe cream to pale yellow fruits are visually striking against green foliage, making Ivory Gold an excellent choice for decorative container gardening on patios and balconies. [source]
Cooking and sauce-making
CulinaryWhile smaller than slicing varieties, Ivory Gold tomatoes can be used in cooking, sauces, and preserves. Their mild flavor works well in delicate preparations. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe abundant yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making Ivory Gold beneficial for supporting local pollinator populations in the garden. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pick fruits when fully colored (pale yellow to ivory) and slightly soft to gentle pressure. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. For best flavor, allow to fully ripen on the vine. Can be picked slightly early and ripened indoors at room temperature. Store at room temperature rather than refrigerating to maintain flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ivory Gold is a determinate 'bush' variety, meaning it sets most of its fruit at once rather than continuously throughout the season—perfect for gardeners who want simultaneous ripening for preserving or sauce-making.
- 🌱 The pale ivory-yellow color is caused by carotenoid pigments rather than lycopene (which makes red tomatoes red), giving them a unique nutritional profile and subtle flavor profile.
- 🌱 Ivory Gold is relatively pest-resistant compared to other heirloom varieties, making it a good choice for organic gardeners seeking fewer disease and insect problems.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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