How to Grow Nufar Tomato
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Nufar Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Nufar'
vegetableNufar is a determinate (bush-type) tomato variety bred for disease resistance and reliable production in challenging conditions. It produces medium-sized red fruits with excellent flavor and is particularly prized for its resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), making it ideal for organic and sustainable growing. This variety was developed in Israel and is known for consistent yields even in less-than-ideal weather.
When should you plant Nufar Tomato in your zone?
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Example Nufar Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Nufar 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 Nufar Tomato
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nufar Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; most successful in zones 5-8 where growing season supports full maturity
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Get my Nufar Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling (0-4 weeks)
3-4 weeks indoors before true leaves appearTiny plants with seed leaves (cotyledons) followed by first true leaves. Growth is slow but steady under proper light
Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily; keep soil moist but not waterlogged; maintain 65-75°F; avoid leggy plants by positioning lights close
Vegetative (4-8 weeks indoors or 1-2 weeks after transplant)
4-6 weeks from germinationRapid leaf and stem development; plant becomes stocky and bushy with multiple side shoots. Nufar develops a compact, determinate growth habit
Harden off seedlings 7-10 days before outdoor transplanting; bury stem deeply when planting outdoors; support with stakes or cages early; pinch excessive side growth on determinate types if desired
Flowering (6-10 weeks after transplant)
3-4 weeks during main flowering periodFirst flower clusters (inflorescences) appear, typically in groups of 3-5. Flowers are small, yellow, and self-fertile
Maintain consistent watering and nutrient levels (balanced fertilizer, moderate nitrogen); ensure adequate calcium; provide air circulation to prevent fungal issues; Nufar's late blight resistance is most critical at this stage as wet foliage increases disease pressure
Fruiting (10-16 weeks after transplant)
6-8 weeks; determinate types concentrate ripeningFruits set rapidly and grow to 4-5 oz medium size. Green fruits mature to glossy red color. Determinate nature means most fruit ripens within 2-3 week window
Maintain steady water to prevent cracking; reduce nitrogen to encourage ripening; continue fungal disease monitoring; remove lower leaves after fruit sets if humidity is high; support heavily laden branches
Harvest (16+ weeks after transplant)
3-5 weeks of peak harvest; tailing off thereafterFruits fully red and firm; plant may continue producing secondary flushes but production slows. Determinate plants decline sharply after main production window
Harvest ripe fruit regularly to encourage additional production; can pick fruit at breaker stage (first color blush) and ripen indoors; as plant declines, increase disease monitoring and consider end-of-season removal
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars; encourage parasitic wasps; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; inspect undersides of upper leaves daily
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil spray on leaf undersides; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch; encourage beneficial insects
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Increase humidity and mist foliage (avoid wetting soil); spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; strong water spray to dislodge; predatory mites
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Spray with strong water; insecticidal soap; neem oil; attract ladybugs and parasitic wasps; reflective mulch
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Nufar has excellent resistance but preventive measures still helpful: remove lower leaves; improve air circulation; water at soil level only; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if symptoms appear on susceptible neighboring plants
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryNufar produces flavorful medium-sized fruits perfect for slicing into sandwiches, salads, and fresh preparations. The balanced acid and sweetness makes it versatile for casual eating or restaurant-quality presentations. [source]
Sauce and cooking
CulinaryThe medium size and reliable production make Nufar suitable for cooked sauces, salsas, and canning. Its determinate nature concentrates the harvest, making bulk processing convenient. [source]
Antioxidant nutrition
MedicinalLike all tomatoes, Nufar provides lycopene, a powerful antioxidant compound linked to reduced inflammation and cardiovascular health. Cooking tomatoes increases lycopene bioavailability. [source]
Disease-resistant gardening
HouseholdNufar's outstanding resistance to late blight makes it invaluable for organic growers and those in humid climates where fungal diseases are chronic problems. Reduces need for fungicide applications. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeTomato flowers provide pollen for bees and beneficial insects. Healthy tomato plants attract parasitic wasps that control hornworms and other pests, supporting natural pest management. [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 fully red and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure; flavor peaks at full ripeness. For Nufar's determinate habit, plan on main harvest window of 2-3 weeks where most fruit ripens simultaneously. Pick regularly to encourage any secondary production. Can harvest at breaker stage (first blush of color) if frost threatens—fruit continues ripening indoors in paper bag with banana or ethylene-producing ripe fruit. Discard any fruit with blemishes or soft spots to extend storage of healthy fruit.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nufar was developed in Israel in the early 2000s specifically to resist late blight—a disease that devastated Ireland's potato crops in the 1840s and still plagues tomato growers today. Its genetics trace back to wild Solanum species with natural disease resistance.
- 🌱 Determinate tomatoes like Nufar were originally bred for mechanized commercial harvesting where all fruit ripens at once, but home gardeners love them because you get a concentrated harvest perfect for sauce-making or large fresh meals.
- 🌱 Burying tomato seedlings deep (up to the first true leaves) encourages additional roots to form along the buried stem, creating a stronger root system. Nufar's sturdy determinate growth habit particularly benefits from this technique.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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