How to Grow Spartan II
Spartan II
Solanum lycopersicum 'Spartan II'
vegetableSpartan II is a determinate (bush-type) tomato variety bred for disease resistance and compact growth, making it ideal for containers and small spaces. It produces medium-sized, red, globe-shaped fruits with good flavor and disease resistance to early blight and fusarium wilt. This variety is particularly valued by home gardeners for its reliable production and manageable size.
When should you plant Spartan II 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 Spartan II timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Spartan II
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 Spartan II
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Spartan II dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10, excellent for northern climates due to early maturity
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Get my Spartan II timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-3 true leaves emerging after cotyledons; stems are thin and delicate
Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily under grow lights; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; maintain 65-75°F
Vegetative
2-3 weeks indoors, continues after transplantingPlant develops robust stems and multiple sets of compound leaves; roots establish strongly
Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors; begin fertilizing with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks; ensure adequate light
Flowering
3-4 weeksSmall yellow flowers appear in clusters; plant continues growing but becomes more determinate
Provide consistent watering and calcium fertilizer; reduce nitrogen to promote flowering; pollinate by gently shaking flowers or using bees
Fruiting
3-4 weeksGreen fruits develop and gradually enlarge to mature size; plant reaches full compact height
Maintain consistent watering to prevent fruit cracking; support branches if heavily loaded; monitor for pests and diseases
Harvest
4-6 weeks or until frostFruits turn deep red and fully ripen; plant continues producing but at slower rate
Pick fruits at first blush of color or fully red; continue watering and fertilizing to extend season; remove diseased foliage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick; encourage natural predators; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); neem oil spray
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Yellow sticky traps; strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil or insecticidal soap
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Remove lower infected leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; copper fungicide if severe
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Choose resistant varieties (Spartan II has resistance); remove infected plants; rotate crops; sterilize tools
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Increase humidity; water spray; neem oil; insecticidal soap; encourage predatory mites
Uses
Fresh eating and salads
CulinaryThe medium-sized fruits are perfect for slicing into fresh salads, sandwiches, and snacks. The balanced sweet and acidic flavor makes them ideal for eating fresh right off the vine. [source]
Cooking and sauces
CulinarySpartan II fruits are excellent for making tomato sauces, soups, and cooked dishes. Their meaty texture holds up well during cooking and processing. [source]
Preservation
CulinaryThese determinate tomatoes are particularly suited to canning, freezing, and making paste due to their concentrated ripening period and good acid content. [source]
Container gardening
HouseholdThe compact, determinate growth habit makes Spartan II ideal for pots on patios and balconies, bringing fresh tomatoes to urban gardens. [source]
Nutritional health
MedicinalTomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant associated with cardiovascular and prostate health. Fresh consumption maximizes nutrient bioavailability. [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 reach full size and show first color change to pink/red. Spartan II produces most fruit early due to determinate nature. Pick mature fruits regularly to encourage continued production. Fruits can be harvested at various stages of ripeness; earlier picking allows plant energy to go to new flowers. Store at room temperature until fully ripe; refrigerate ripe fruit only if necessary.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Spartan II is a determinate variety, meaning it stops growing at a set height and produces most of its fruit within a concentrated 2-3 week window—perfect for those wanting to harvest and preserve all at once.
- 🌱 The variety was developed in Michigan and bred specifically for resistance to early blight and fusarium wilt, two major tomato diseases, making it more reliable for gardeners in humid climates.
- 🌱 Tomatoes are technically berries from a botanical standpoint, and the lycopene in red tomatoes like Spartan II is actually produced in higher concentrations as the fruit ripens in warm sunlight.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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