How to Grow White King Tomato
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White King Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'White King'
vegetableWhite King is a rare heirloom tomato variety known for its creamy white to pale yellow flesh and sweet, complex flavor. These medium-sized indeterminate plants produce clusters of substantial fruits that develop slowly and require patience but reward growers with exceptional taste.
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Example White King Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant White King 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 White King Tomato
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White King Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in zones 3-4 with longer season and protection
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves develop from germination. Seedlings are delicate and light green.
Maintain warm soil (70-75°F), bright light for 14-16 hours daily, and keep moist. Thin to strongest seedlings and avoid overwatering to prevent damping-off.
Transplant/Vegetative
3-4 weeksSturdy plants with 6-8 true leaves and thickening stems are ready for hardening off and transplanting to larger pots or garden.
Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Transplant deep, burying stem partially. Keep fertilized with balanced formula every 2 weeks.
Flowering
4-6 weeks into growing seasonIndeterminate vines begin setting flower clusters. White King is a slow bloomer; flowers are yellow and small.
Provide sturdy support/cages early. Maintain consistent watering and calcium availability to prevent blossom end rot. Reduce nitrogen to encourage fruiting over foliage.
Fruit Development
6-8 weeksSmall green fruits appear at flower sites and gradually enlarge. White King fruits develop slowly and are notably pale/white when ripe.
Continue supporting heavy fruit clusters. Water deeply and consistently. Prune suckers to concentrate energy into remaining fruits. This variety ripens slowly—patience is essential.
Ripening & Harvest
Ongoing until first frostFruits transition from green to creamy white/pale yellow. Ripe fruits are soft to gentle pressure and aromatic.
Pick when fully colored and slightly soft. Allow fruits to ripen on vine for best flavor, or pick at light green stage if frost threatens. Store at room temperature.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick or encourage parasitic wasps. Apply spinosad if infestation is severe.
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Remove lower infected leaves, improve air circulation, mulch to prevent soil splash. Apply copper fungicide preventively.
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Ensure excellent air circulation, avoid overhead watering. Remove infected foliage immediately. Apply fungicide (chlorothalonil or copper) in humid conditions.
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Use reflective mulch, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Introduce beneficial insects.
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Spray with water to dislodge, use insecticidal soap, or encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
Uses
Fresh eating and slicing
CulinaryWhite King tomatoes are prized for eating fresh due to their exceptionally sweet, complex flavor and mild acidity. Their creamy texture makes them ideal for slicing into salads or serving simply with salt. [source]
Sauces and cooking
CulinaryThe low acid content and unique flavor profile make White King excellent for fresh salsa, gazpacho, and light tomato sauces where the distinctive taste shines through. [source]
Seed saving
HouseholdAs a heirloom variety, White King can be seed-saved for future seasons. Allow fruits to fully ripen, extract and ferment seeds for 2-3 days, then dry completely before storage. [source]
Lycopene and antioxidants
MedicinalAll tomatoes, including White King, contain lycopene and other beneficial antioxidants, though white varieties have lower lycopene than red ones. Still nutritious for heart and general health. [source]
Ornamental/specialty gardening
CraftThe unusual pale coloration and heirloom status make White King a conversation piece and attractive specialty plant for experienced tomato collectors and heritage 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
White King ripens slowly compared to red varieties—this is normal and valued for flavor development. Harvest when fruits are fully white/pale yellow with slight softness. Pick in early morning when cool. Fruits will continue ripening after picking if at light green stage. Leave on vine as long as possible for maximum sweetness. Expect first harvests 75-85 days after transplanting, with continued production until frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 White King is an exceptionally rare heirloom variety that nearly disappeared from cultivation; it was rediscovered and preserved by dedicated seed savers, making modern White King plants precious genetic heritage.
- 🌱 The creamy flavor of white tomato varieties is attributed to different sugar and acid profiles compared to red tomatoes—they are actually sweeter and less acidic, making them taste completely different despite being the same species.
- 🌱 White King fruits can take 85+ days to mature, making them one of the slowest-ripening tomato varieties; this extended season actually develops deeper complexity and is highly valued by flavor enthusiasts.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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