How to Grow Telstar Tomato

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Telstar Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum 'Telstar'

vegetable

Telstar is a compact, determinate tomato variety bred for early maturity and reliability in diverse climates. It produces abundant medium-sized red fruits perfect for fresh eating and canning, making it a favorite for home gardeners and commercial growers.

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Example Telstar Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Telstar Tomato
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Telstar Tomato
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Telstar Tomato dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum (8+ hours ideal)

💧

Water: Consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to prevent disease.

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Spacing: 24 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-75 days

🌱

Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; plant transplants deep, up to first true leaves

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost aged manure peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-10; particularly reliable in zones 5-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge. First true leaves develop within 1-2 weeks.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light (grow lights if indoors, 14-16 hours daily). Maintain 65-75°F. Thin seedlings or pot up to individual containers when first true leaves appear.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks before transplanting; 2-3 weeks after transplanting outdoors

Strong stem development with multiple true leaves. Transplants grow bushy with robust root systems. Plant reaches 12-18 inches tall before flowering begins.

Harden off transplants gradually before outdoor planting. Provide consistent moisture and full sun. Support with stakes or cages early. Remove lower leaves once plant is established to improve airflow.

Flowering

2-3 weeks

Yellow flowers appear in clusters (determinate pattern). Flowers are self-pollinating. Plant is compact and bushy with flower clusters visible.

Ensure consistent watering; irregular water causes blossom-end rot and flower drop. Maintain air circulation. Light fertilization with balanced or tomato-specific fertilizer. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen.

Fruit Development

3-4 weeks

Green fruits develop and enlarge at flower clusters. Fruits are medium-sized (4-5 oz), round, and gradually increase in size. Foliage remains dense.

Continue consistent watering. Provide support as fruit weight increases. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Prune excessive foliage only to improve airflow if needed.

Ripening & Harvest

2-3 weeks per harvesting cycle

Fruits transition from green to light pink to deep red. Multiple fruits ripen simultaneously due to determinate nature. Plant may show stress in extreme heat.

Harvest fully ripe fruits regularly to encourage continued production. In extreme heat, provide afternoon shade. Continue consistent watering. Use ripe fruits immediately or store at room temperature for best flavor.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Parsley Marigold Carrot Onion Garlic Borage Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) Fennel Kohlrabi Dill

Common Pests

Hand-pick large caterpillars; encourage natural parasites like parasitic wasps; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for smaller infestations
Use insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase air circulation; yellow sticky traps; reflective mulches
Increase humidity and water foliage; use miticide or insecticidal soap; remove heavily affected leaves
Remove infected leaves promptly; mulch to prevent soil splash; ensure good air circulation; fungicide spray with copper or chlorothalonil if severe
Remove infected plant material; apply fungicides preventively in humid conditions; improve drainage and airflow
Maintain consistent soil moisture and calcium levels; mulch; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen

Uses

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Fresh eating and salads

Culinary

Telstar's balanced flavor and medium size make it ideal for slicing in salads, sandwiches, and fresh preparations. The firm flesh holds up well without excessive wateriness. [source]

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Canning and sauce

Culinary

The determinate ripening pattern and high yield make Telstar excellent for home canning, sauce production, and preserves. Its concentrated flavor develops when cooked. [source]

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Cooking and processing

Culinary

Dense texture and solid flesh make Telstar suitable for cooking down into marinara, salsa, and other cooked tomato dishes without excessive liquid. [source]

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Home gardening reliability

Household

Telstar is renowned for consistent yields, early maturity, and disease resistance, making it a trusted choice for gardeners seeking dependable production across varied climates. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The abundant flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity while ensuring reliable fruit set and abundant harvest. [source]

Harvest Tips

Telstar tomatoes mature all at once or in close succession (determinate variety), making them excellent for preserving. Harvest when fully red for best flavor and sweetness. Twist gently or cut with pruners. Can pick at 'breaker stage' (first blush of color) to finish ripening indoors. Typically produces heavy yields over 3-4 week window.

Fun Facts

🌱 Telstar was introduced by Cornell University's breeding program in 1962 and was named after the Telstar communications satellite, reflecting its innovative nature at the time.
🌱 This determinate variety was specifically bred for quick, synchronized ripening, making it one of the most reliable early tomatoes for regions with short growing seasons.
🌱 Telstar's disease resistance and compact size made it popular with commercial canneries and home gardeners alike, and it remains widely available 60+ years after its release.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Transplant True Leaves

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