How to Grow Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Solanum lycopersicum 'Pittsburgh'
vegetablePittsburgh is a classic, early-maturing determinate tomato variety developed at the University of Pittsburgh in the 1950s. Known for its compact growth habit and reliable production of small to medium-sized red fruits, it was bred specifically for short growing seasons in northern climates. This heirloom variety is disease-resistant and prized by gardeners in cooler regions.
When should you plant Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Pittsburgh
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Pittsburgh
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pittsburgh dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; exceptional choice for northern and short-season climates
Sign up free to see if Pittsburgh grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Pittsburgh timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2 cotyledons and developing true leaves. Stems are thin and fragile.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (14-16 hours under grow lights). Maintain 65-75°F. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeks indoors, then 2-3 weeks outdoors until floweringStocky compact plants with multiple sets of true leaves. Roots develop rapidly. Growth is bushy and determinate (self-limiting).
Harden off gradually before transplanting. Plant deeply to encourage stronger root development. Begin staking if needed. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Flowering
2-3 weeksFirst flowers appear in clusters (truss). Plant height is reaching mature compact size. Flowers are bright yellow with 5-6 petals.
Switch to lower-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering. Ensure consistent watering. Remove lower leaves for air circulation if needed. Stake or cage for support.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksSmall green fruits develop and grow to marble to golf-ball size. Multiple trusses produce abundant fruits. Plant remains compact and bushy.
Maintain consistent water (1.5-2 inches weekly). Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature. Continue support structure. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Ripening & Harvest
Ongoing for 4-6 weeks or until frostFruits transition from green to pink to bright red over several days. Mature fruits are slightly soft when gently squeezed. Plant may continue producing secondary flushes.
Harvest ripe fruits regularly to encourage more production. Water less as ripening accelerates. Fruits can be picked at mature green stage and ripened indoors if frost threatens.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Plant dill and parsley nearby to attract parasitic wasps. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray if severe.
-
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Reflective mulch deters adults.
-
Increase humidity and water spray foliage. Apply miticide or sulfur dust. Remove heavily infested leaves.
-
Remove lower infected leaves. Improve air circulation. Apply copper fungicide or sulfur. Stake plant for better airflow.
-
Remove infected leaves immediately. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply copper fungicide every 7-10 days. Practice crop rotation.
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryPittsburgh tomatoes have balanced sweet-tart flavor with firm flesh, making them excellent for fresh slicing, chopping into salads, and eating out-of-hand. Their smaller to medium size and reliable ripening make them ideal for eating fresh throughout the summer. [source]
Canning and sauces
CulinaryPittsburgh's determinate growth and concentrated fruit production make it excellent for preserving. The fruits are ideal for sauce-making, paste, and whole-fruit canning—particularly suited to home canners in northern regions who need quick ripening. [source]
Cooking and processing
CulinaryThe firm flesh and good acidity make Pittsburgh tomatoes suitable for cooking in soups, stews, and braises. They maintain structure better than some varieties when cooked. [source]
Lycopene antioxidant source
MedicinalLike all red tomatoes, Pittsburgh contains high levels of lycopene, a powerful carotenoid antioxidant associated with heart health and cancer prevention. Cooking concentrates lycopene content, making processed forms particularly beneficial. [source]
Short-season gardening
HouseholdPittsburgh was specifically bred for northern climates with short growing seasons. It reliably produces a full harvest in zones 3-5 where later-maturing varieties fail, making it essential for cold-climate gardeners. [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 fruits are fully red and slightly soft to gentle pressure. Pittsburgh tomatoes ripen relatively early compared to other varieties. Pick in morning when vines are cool. Fruits can be harvested at mature green stage (fully grown but still green) and ripened indoors if early frost approaches. Continue picking regularly—harvesting stimulates further fruit production. Total yield is typically 8-15 pounds per determinate plant over the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pittsburgh was developed by the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Institution in the 1950s specifically to serve home gardeners in cold climates with short summers—it was the variety of choice before modern hybrids became dominant.
- 🌱 As a determinate variety, Pittsburgh grows to a compact 3-4 feet and produces most of its fruit within a 4-6 week window, making it ideal for canning and preserving operations—the timing allows for batch processing.
- 🌱 The name 'Pittsburgh' honors its birthplace and the region's industrial heritage; it remains a beloved heirloom among nostalgic gardeners and is experiencing a revival among seed savers interested in regional heirloom varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Pittsburgh planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh timeline →