How to Grow Mascotte Tomato
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Mascotte Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Mascotte'
vegetableMascotte is a compact, determinate tomato variety bred for container and small-space gardening, producing abundant small to medium red fruits. Known for its disease resistance and prolific yields, it's ideal for patios, balconies, and urban gardens. The plant typically grows 24-36 inches tall and matures relatively quickly.
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Example Mascotte Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mascotte 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 Mascotte Tomato
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mascotte Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; grows as annual in cool zones, perennial in warmest zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge, followed by true leaves. Plant is tender and requires warmth.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily under grow lights. Maintain 70-75°F. Thin to strongest seedling if multiple germinate.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops more leaf sets and grows 4-6 inches tall. Roots establish strongly.
Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions if starting indoors. Water consistently. Begin fertilizing with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Provide sturdy support to prevent damping off.
Flowering
2-3 weeksFirst flower clusters appear at leaf axils; yellow star-shaped flowers open.
Switch to lower-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) to promote flowering. Ensure adequate light and warm nights (60-70°F). Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers. Hand-pollinate or gently shake flowers for fruit set.
Fruiting
4-6 weeksTiny green fruits develop where flowers were; fruits grow and begin color transition from green to orange to red.
Maintain consistent watering and mulch to prevent blossom end rot. Support branches with developing fruit using stakes or cages. Fertilize every 2 weeks with tomato-specific fertilizer. Prune lower leaves once fruits are established for air circulation.
Harvest
4-8 weeks (until frost or plant decline)Fruits are fully red, firm, and aromatic. Vine continues producing throughout season.
Harvest at first blush of color for ripening indoors or fully ripe on vine. Regular picking encourages continued production. Monitor for disease and remove affected foliage. Continue watering and light fertilizing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick daily inspections; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage parasitic wasps; plant dill or parsley nearby
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation and adequate humidity
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch; encourage beneficial insects
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Remove affected lower leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply copper fungicide; practice crop rotation
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Remove affected foliage immediately; apply sulfur or copper fungicide; ensure good drainage; avoid overhead watering
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Maintain consistent soil moisture; add lime or crushed eggshells to soil; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryMascotte produces abundant small-to-medium fruits perfect for cherry tomato salads, slicing, and fresh eating. The sweet-tart flavor and compact growth make them ideal for container gardeners with limited space. [source]
Cooking and sauces
CulinaryThe abundant yield makes Mascotte excellent for cooking down into sauces, soups, and preserves. Small fruits require minimal prep work for canning or freezing. [source]
Container and patio gardening
HouseholdMascotte's compact, determinate growth habit makes it ideal for growing in pots, hanging baskets, and confined spaces like patios and balconies. Requires minimal pruning and staking compared to indeterminate varieties. [source]
Antioxidant-rich nutrition
MedicinalTomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Mascotte's high yield provides abundant fresh fruit for nutritional benefits year-round. [source]
Wildlife garden contribution
WildlifeTomato flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while fallen or excess ripe fruits can supplement wildlife food sources. The flowers support native bee 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
Begin harvesting when fruits reach full color (typically 70-80 days from transplant). Gently twist and pull ripe fruits from vine; if they don't release easily, wait 1-2 days. Harvest at 'breaker stage' (first blush of color) for indoor ripening to reduce cracking. Pinch off flower clusters 6-8 weeks before expected frost to redirect energy to ripening existing fruit. Regularly picking ripe fruits encourages continued production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mascotte was developed specifically for container growing, making it one of the best tomato varieties for small-space and urban gardening; its name means 'lucky charm' or 'mascot' in French.
- 🌱 Tomatoes are botanically berries (fruits containing seeds surrounded by flesh), not vegetables; the culinary classification as a vegetable became common only after cooking methods for fresh tomatoes developed in Mediterranean cuisine.
- 🌱 Mascotte's compact, bushy growth habit requires significantly less pruning than indeterminate (vining) varieties, making it ideal for gardeners who prefer hands-off cultivation.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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