How to Grow Jersey Giant

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Jersey Giant

Solanum lycopersicum 'Jersey Giant'

vegetable

Jersey Giant is a classic heirloom tomato variety known for producing exceptionally large, meaty fruits that can weigh 1-2 pounds each. The deep red, beefsteak-type tomatoes have few seeds and excellent flavor, making them ideal for slicing and fresh use. This indeterminate variety grows tall and continues producing fruit throughout the season.

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Example Jersey Giant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Jersey Giant
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Jersey Giant
Around Jul 1

≈ 75 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Jersey Giant dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, minimum 8 hours daily (10+ hours ideal for large fruit production)

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Water: Consistent, deep watering 1-2 inches per week. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry. Increase frequency during fruiting stage and hot weather. Avoid fluctuating water availability, which causes blossom end rot and cracking.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: 75-85 days from transplant to first ripe fruit

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Planting depth: Bury transplant stem up to first true leaves; can be planted deeper than in pot to develop stronger root system

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil with high organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Bone meal Kelp meal Calcium (lime or gypsum to prevent blossom end rot)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-10; grows best where summers are warm (70-85°F)

2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Small plants with cotyledons followed by true leaves; sturdy growth occurs under bright light

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide 12-16 hours of bright light daily. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin to strongest seedlings.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant establishes robust stem and leaf structure; no flowers yet. Plant grows 2-3 feet tall or more

Harden off before transplanting. Plant after last frost when soil has warmed to 60°F+. Install sturdy stake or cage immediately. Prune suckers (shoots between main stem and branches) on indeterminate varieties to direct energy. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Yellow flowers appear in clusters along the stem. Plants continue to grow taller. First flowers typically appear 4-6 weeks after transplanting

Maintain consistent watering. Avoid over-nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes foliage over fruit. Once flowering begins, switch to lower nitrogen fertilizer (higher potassium and phosphorus). Support tall plants securely.

Fruiting & Growth

6-8 weeks per fruit

Flowers transition to small green fruits that grow progressively larger over 6-8 weeks. Plant continues producing new flower clusters throughout season

Provide ample calcium via lime, gypsum, or crushed eggshells to prevent blossom end rot on large fruits. Water deeply and consistently. Prune some foliage to increase light penetration to developing fruits. Support heavy fruit clusters with soft ties to prevent branch breakage.

Harvest & Production

Continuous until frost

Fruits ripen to deep red color and develop rich flavor. Large beefsteak fruits are ready for harvest and plant continues producing new flowers

Harvest fruits when fully colored and slightly soft to touch. Pick before first frost. Continue watering and fertilizing to extend season. Remove any diseased leaves promptly.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Borage Carrots Chives Garlic Marigolds Nasturtiums Onions Parsley

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) Fennel Kohlrabi Potatoes Walnut trees

Common Pests

Hand-pick from plants; encourage parasitic wasps; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if infestation is heavy
Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
Increase humidity and water at soil level; spray undersides of leaves with water; use neem oil or miticide if severe
Prune lower foliage; improve air circulation; remove affected leaves; apply copper fungicide; avoid overhead watering
Ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; remove affected plant parts; apply fixed copper or chlorothalonil fungicide
Maintain consistent watering; apply calcium amendments (lime, gypsum); mulch to regulate soil moisture

Uses

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Fresh slicing and sandwiches

Culinary

Jersey Giant's large, meaty fruits with few seeds make them exceptional for slicing fresh for sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards. The rich, balanced flavor pairs well with simple preparations like olive oil, salt, and fresh basil. [source]

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Canning and sauce

Culinary

The dense flesh and low seed content make Jersey Giant suitable for making tomato sauce, paste, and other preservation methods. The robust flavor holds up well through cooking and processing. [source]

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Home gardening heritage

Household

Jersey Giant is a beloved heirloom variety that has been saved and replanted by home gardeners since its development. Growing and saving seeds from this variety connects gardeners to tomato-growing tradition. [source]

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Lycopene and antioxidants

Medicinal

Tomatoes, particularly red varieties like Jersey Giant, are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with cardiovascular and prostate health benefits when consumed regularly. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

Tomato flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, supporting local pollinator populations and increasing biodiversity throughout the growing season. [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 fruits are deep red and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Jersey Giant can be picked at the 'breaker stage' (when first blush of color appears) and ripened indoors if needed. For maximum flavor, allow fruit to fully ripen on the vine. Cut or gently twist fruits from stem. Continue harvesting through the season until frost. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight; do not refrigerate until fully soft, as this diminishes flavor.

Fun Facts

🌱 Jersey Giant was developed in New Jersey in the early 20th century and became one of the most popular home garden tomato varieties, valued for producing reliably massive fruits.
🌱 Individual Jersey Giant tomatoes can weigh over 1.5 pounds, with some specimens exceeding 2 pounds—one of the heaviest beefsteak varieties available to home gardeners.
🌱 As an indeterminate variety, Jersey Giant will continue producing new flowers and fruits until killed by frost, potentially yielding 20-30+ large tomatoes per plant over an entire season in favorable conditions.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Heirloom pH Sucker Transplant True Leaves

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