How to Grow Ohio Scarlet
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Ohio Scarlet
Lycopersicon esculentum 'Ohio Scarlet'
vegetableOhio Scarlet is a classic determinate tomato variety prized for its early maturity and reliable production of medium-sized, deep red fruits. Known for its robust disease resistance and dependable yields, it has been a favorite among gardeners and commercial growers since the 1950s. The plant grows to a compact 3-4 feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces and container growing.
When should you plant Ohio Scarlet in your zone?
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Example Ohio Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ohio Scarlet
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 Ohio Scarlet
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ohio Scarlet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; can be grown in zones 3 and 9 with season management
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Seedling
2-3 weeks indoorsSmall plants with true leaves developing; cotyledons present initially. Plants are delicate and pale green.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (grow lights 2-3 inches above seedlings). Maintain 70-75°F temperature. Thin to strongest seedlings if direct seeding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeks after transplanting outdoorsPlant develops true leaves and a sturdy stem system. Stems become thicker and more fibrous. Foliage deepens to dark green.
Harden off transplants 7-10 days before planting outdoors. Plant deeply when transplanting to encourage strong root system. Install support cages or stakes early. Maintain consistent moisture and provide balanced nutrition.
Flowering
3-4 weeksYellow flower clusters appear in leaf axils. Flowers are small and self-fertile. Plant continues vertical growth while setting fruit.
Ensure adequate calcium and phosphorus for fruit set. Provide consistent watering to avoid blossom-end rot. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, which encourages foliage over flowers. Maintain support structures.
Fruiting
4-6 weeksSmall green fruits develop rapidly behind fading flowers. Fruits swell and change color from green to red as they mature. Multiple fruit clusters ripen in succession.
Continue consistent deep watering. Apply mulch to regulate soil moisture. Prune excessive foliage on determinate types to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Monitor for pests and disease.
Harvest
2-4 weeks of peak harvestFruits reach full deep red color and slight softness to gentle squeeze. Plant may show some stress or yellowing as it redirects energy to ripening.
Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Pick fully red fruits for best flavor and nutrition. Can pick at breaker stage (first blush of red) if frost threatens.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick larvae daily; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage parasitic wasps; row covers on young plants
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Remove lower infected leaves; improve air circulation; use copper or sulfur fungicides; mulch to prevent soil splash
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Fungicides containing chlorothalonil, mancozeb, or copper; remove infected plants; improve spacing and air flow
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Strong water spray; neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; predatory mites
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch; remove heavily infested leaves
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Bt spray; hand-pick larvae; pheromone traps; good sanitation
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryOhio Scarlet's balanced flavor and smooth texture make it excellent for fresh consumption, slicing into salads, and serving at table. The medium size and firm flesh hold up well in sandwiches. [source]
Canning and processing
CulinaryThe consistent quality, thick flesh, and acid balance of Ohio Scarlet make it a reliable choice for canning whole, as sauce, or paste. Its determinate harvest pattern is ideal for large-batch preservation. [source]
Nutritional health
MedicinalRich in lycopene, vitamins C and A, and potassium, Ohio Scarlet contributes to cardiovascular and immune health when consumed regularly. [source]
Garden reliability
HouseholdKnown for disease resistance and consistent yields, Ohio Scarlet is excellent for beginner gardeners and reliable home production with minimal maintenance required. [source]
Heirloom seed saving
CraftAs an open-pollinated variety, Ohio Scarlet seeds can be saved from mature fruit for replanting in future seasons, supporting sustainable gardening practices. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Ohio Scarlet tomatoes are determinate, meaning they ripen most fruit within a concentrated window (2-4 weeks). Harvest when fully red and slightly soft; twist gently or cut with pruners. For extended harvest in cool climates, pick at breaker stage 1-2 days before a frost and allow to ripen indoors. Peak flavor develops when fruit is fully vine-ripened in warm conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ohio Scarlet was developed in Ohio in the 1950s specifically for commercial canning operations, but gained popularity with home gardeners for its reliability and early maturity in short-season climates.
- 🌱 The determinate growth habit means the plant reaches a predetermined size and produces nearly all its fruit within a short window—perfect for a concentrated harvest for canning but requiring succession planting for continuous fresh tomatoes.
- 🌱 Ohio Scarlet has strong resistance to Fusarium and Verticillium wilts, diseases that devastated tomato crops in the mid-20th century, making it a historically significant variety in disease-resistant breeding.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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