How to Grow Meteor Tomato
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Meteor Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Meteor'
vegetableMeteor is an early-maturing determinate tomato variety known for its reliable production of medium-sized, round red fruits. Bred in Russia, it's prized for thriving in cool climates and short growing seasons. The compact plant produces flavorful tomatoes suitable for fresh eating and canning.
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Example Meteor Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Meteor 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 Meteor Tomato
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Meteor Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9, particularly excellent for cool climates and short seasons
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Get my Meteor Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysTiny green cotyledons emerge, followed by first true leaves. Plant is fragile and compact.
Provide bright light (14-16 hours daily under grow lights), maintain soil moisture, keep temperature 70-75°F. Thin to strongest seedling if direct seeding.
Vegetative
3-4 weeks after transplantingPlant develops multiple sets of true leaves and a sturdy stem. Bushy, determinate growth pattern becomes apparent.
Harden off transplants gradually before planting outdoors. Plant 2-3 weeks after last frost. Remove lower leaves after planting for disease prevention. Support with stakes or cages early.
Flowering
2-3 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters. Plant height reaches 3-4 feet and begins branching.
Ensure consistent watering and nutrients (slightly higher potassium for flowering). Provide regular pruning of excessive suckers. Maintain steady soil moisture to prevent blossom-end rot.
Fruiting
2-3 weeksSmall green fruits develop and begin enlarging. Multiple trusses set fruit simultaneously due to determinate nature.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage. Maintain deep, consistent watering. Stake firmly to support fruit weight. Mulch to regulate soil temperature.
Harvest
1-2 weeks concentrated harvestFruits ripen to bright red color, becoming fragrant and slightly soft when gently squeezed.
Pick when fully red for best flavor. Can harvest at breaker stage (first blush of red) and ripen indoors if frost threatens. One main harvest window due to determinate type.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Encourage parasitoid wasps. Monitor regularly during peak season.
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Spray with strong water jet, apply insecticidal soap, or use neem oil. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray neem oil, apply insecticidal soap. Reflective mulch can deter.
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Remove infected leaves immediately, improve air circulation, mulch to prevent soil splash, apply copper fungicide as preventative.
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Plant resistant varieties when possible, remove infected plants, avoid overhead watering, use approved fungicides early in season.
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryMeteor tomatoes are flavorful with balanced sweet-acid profile, excellent for slicing into fresh salads or eating out of hand. Their early maturity makes them ideal for fresh market and home garden use in short seasons. [source]
Canning and preserves
CulinaryDeterminate varieties like Meteor produce concentrated harvests ideal for canning salsa, sauce, and paste. High yield per plant makes this variety economical for preservation. [source]
Lycopene and antioxidants
MedicinalRed tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with cardiovascular health. Cooking tomatoes increases lycopene bioavailability. [source]
Natural cleaner
HouseholdTomato acid (citric and malic acid) can be used as a mild natural cleaner for surfaces and as a stain remover for organic matter. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeTomato flowers attract bees and other pollinators during the blooming stage, supporting garden biodiversity and ensuring 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 tomatoes when fully red and slightly soft to the touch. The determinate nature means most fruit ripens within 1-2 weeks; plan accordingly for processing. Harvest before first frost by picking all remaining fruit at breaker stage. Can ripen indoors at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Meteor was developed at the Institute of Plant Industry in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia, specifically to mature quickly in cool climates and short growing seasons.
- 🌱 As a determinate variety, Meteor concentrates its production into a brief window—all fruit typically ripens within 1-2 weeks, making it perfect for preserving.
- 🌱 The name 'Meteor' refers to its meteoric rise in popularity among gardeners in cold climates; it revolutionized tomato growing in northern regions where longer seasons were previously required.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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