How to Grow Scarlet Jewel Tomato
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Scarlet Jewel Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Scarlet Jewel'
vegetableScarlet Jewel is a determinate (bush-type) heirloom tomato variety prized for its small, deep red, jewel-like fruits and compact growth habit. The plants produce abundant clusters of perfectly round tomatoes that are ideal for salads, snacking, and preserving. This variety is known for its disease resistance and exceptional flavor despite its small size.
When should you plant Scarlet Jewel Tomato in your zone?
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Example Scarlet Jewel Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Jewel 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 Scarlet Jewel Tomato
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Jewel Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, but can be grown as an annual in cooler zones 3-4
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Get my Scarlet Jewel Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with cotyledons (seed leaves) followed by first true leaves. Very delicate and bright green.
Provide bright light (grow lights 3-4 inches above), keep soil moist but not soggy, maintain 70-75°F soil temperature. Thin to strongest seedlings if direct seeded.
Vegetative
3-4 weeks after transplantingBushy growth with multiple sets of true leaves. Plant develops sturdy stems and a compact, determinate shape.
Harden off transplants gradually over 7-10 days before planting outdoors. Plant after frost danger passes. Water consistently and mulch around base. Light pruning is optional; determinate types need less pruning than indeterminate.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall yellow flower clusters appear at leaf axils. Flowers are self-fertile and develop into tiny green fruit sets.
Maintain consistent watering and temperature (65-75°F ideal). Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which promotes foliage over flowers. Provide balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar). Light airflow helps pollination.
Fruiting
3-4 weeksGreen marble-sized fruits develop and gradually enlarge to ½-¾ inch diameter. Fruits cluster densely on branches.
Continue deep watering (drip irrigation preferred). Support branches if laden with fruit. Apply mulch to regulate soil moisture and temperature. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or slightly higher phosphorus formula.
Ripening & Harvest
2-4 weeksFruits turn from green to deep scarlet red. Peak flavor develops at full red color.
Continue consistent watering to prevent cracking. Harvest when fully red and slightly soft to touch. Ripe fruit stores better than unripe. As determinate type, most fruit ripens within 2-3 week window.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick large caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for smaller larvae; encourage parasitic wasps
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Yellow sticky traps, strong water spray to dislodge, neem oil or insecticidal soap spray
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Remove affected leaves, improve airflow, mulch to prevent soil splash, apply copper fungicide if severe
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Remove lower leaves as plant grows, stake for airflow, apply copper or sulfur fungicide, avoid overhead watering
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Increase humidity, strong water spray, neem oil or miticide spray, avoid excessive nitrogen
Uses
Fresh Eating & Salads
CulinaryThe small jewel-like fruits are perfect for whole cherry tomato applications—snacking directly from the vine, tossing into salads, or roasting. Their concentrated sweetness and balanced acidity make them superior to most supermarket cherry tomatoes. [source]
Canning & Preserving
CulinaryThe determinate ripening pattern and small uniform size make Scarlet Jewel ideal for canning whole, making salsa, tomato paste, or sun-drying. The sturdy skin resists splitting during processing. [source]
Sauces & Cooking
CulinaryDespite their size, these tomatoes have excellent flavor depth and concentrated solids, making them suitable for cooked sauces and reductions when processing volume is available. [source]
Nutritional & Antioxidant Benefits
MedicinalTomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to cardiovascular health and cancer prevention. Red heirloom varieties like Scarlet Jewel contain particularly high antioxidant levels. [source]
Garden Productivity
HouseholdThe determinate bush-type habit makes Scarlet Jewel excellent for container growing, small-space gardening, and producing abundant harvests from compact plants—ideal for urban gardeners or patio gardens. [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 are fully red and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Twist and pull gently or use pruning shears to avoid damaging plants. Scarlet Jewel is a determinate variety, so most fruits ripen within 2-3 weeks of each other—ideal for canning or preserving. Can pick fruits at pink stage and ripen indoors if frost threatens. Best flavor develops when vine-ripened in warm sun.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet Jewel is a determinate (bush-type) tomato, meaning it grows to a fixed mature size and produces most of its fruit within a concentrated 2-3 week window—perfect for one-time harvests for canning or preservation.
- 🌱 The name 'Jewel' comes from the fruit's striking deep red color and round, gemstone-like appearance, each one resembling a small ruby or garnet on the vine.
- 🌱 This heirloom variety exhibits good disease resistance for an older cultivar, making it more reliable than many other small tomatoes in humid or challenging growing conditions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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