How to Grow Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato
Wikimedia Commons
Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Jewel Deep Crimson'
vegetableJewel Deep Crimson is a determinate paste tomato variety prized for its deep red color, rich flavor, and excellent disease resistance. It produces medium-sized fruits ideal for sauce, canning, and fresh use. This heirloom-inspired cultivar combines old-world taste with modern disease resistance traits.
When should you plant Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato 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 Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; requires warm soil and air temperatures
Sign up free to see if Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves, pale green and delicate
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily; maintain 65-75°F; thin seedlings to strongest plant
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeks after transplantingVigorous plant with multiple branches, compound leaves, and no flowers yet
Harden off before transplanting; plant outdoors after last frost when soil reaches 60°F; stake or cage early; pinch suckers on indeterminate varieties if applicable; apply mulch
Flowering
2-3 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters; plant establishes strong root system
Maintain consistent watering and fertilization; reduce nitrogen to encourage fruit set; remove lower leaves for air circulation; apply calcium sources to prevent blossom end rot; pollinate by hand if needed in cool weather
Fruiting & Growth
4-6 weeksFruits develop and swell; plants become heavy and may need additional support
Continue deep, consistent watering; apply balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks; monitor for pests and diseases; increase airflow by removing lower foliage; support branches with fruit
Harvest
3-8 weeks depending on climateFruits turn deep crimson red and reach full size; plant may continue producing additional fruits
Harvest when fully red; pick regularly to encourage continued production; handle fruit gently to avoid bruising; wash hands before picking to reduce disease transmission; continue watering and fertilizing
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick large caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; neem oil
-
Yellow sticky traps; strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
-
Increase humidity; strong water spray; miticide if needed; sulfur dust; neem oil
-
Insecticidal soap; neem oil; strong water spray; reflective mulch; encourage ladybugs
-
Remove infected lower leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide or sulfur; mulch to prevent soil splash
Uses
Pasta & Pizza Sauce
CulinaryJewel Deep Crimson's meaty, low-seed content makes it ideal for tomato sauce, paste, and pizza topping. Its rich, deep flavor concentrates beautifully when cooked down. [source]
Canning & Preservation
CulinaryThe firm texture and high acidity (suitable for water-bath canning) make this variety excellent for canned whole tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and salsa. Can be stored long-term as a staple. [source]
Lycopene & Antioxidants
MedicinalDeep red tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Cooking enhances lycopene bioavailability. [source]
Homemade Tomato Products
HouseholdPerfect for making ketchup, marinara, tomato juice, and concentrates. Its dense flesh and few seeds minimize processing time. [source]
Fresh Eating & Slicing
CulinaryWhile a paste variety, Jewel Deep Crimson also offers excellent fresh eating with bold flavor. Slices beautifully for salads and sandwiches. [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 fully red (not pink); twist gently or cut with pruners to avoid damaging stems; harvest in the morning when cool; can pick slightly earlier and ripen indoors; peak flavor at room temperature; use for sauces within 1-2 days or refrigerate for longer storage
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Jewel' reflects the tomato's brilliant deep crimson color, which indicates high lycopene content—the compound responsible for both the color and significant health benefits.
- 🌱 Determinate (bush) varieties like Jewel Deep Crimson produce all or most fruit within a concentrated 3-4 week period, making them ideal for commercial processing and home canning operations that want simultaneous harvests.
- 🌱 Modern disease-resistant tomato varieties often carry resistance genes (designated with letters like V, F, FF, N, T, L, St, TSWV) that protect against Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, early/late blight, and nematodes—this variety is selected for robust resistance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Jewel Deep Crimson Tomato timeline →