Ace 55

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sink your senses into Ace 55’s rich, meaty fragrance and its deep, sun-warmed color—an exceptionally satisfying beefsteak that delivers bold, tomato-forward flavor with a dense, juicy bite.

The flesh stays pleasantly firm and substantial, making it ideal for thick, concentrated results in sauces and pastes, while its classic tomato character shines in fresh slices and hearty salads. Grow Ace 55 for a garden-to-table centerpiece that rewards with dependable performance and a truly “tomato” taste at peak ripeness.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Determinate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 13th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Determinate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ace 55 is a beefsteak that tastes like actual tomatoes—dense and substantial, so it concentrates cleanly without turning grainy or thin. Use it when you want slices that hold together or a sauce/paste that stays thick and spoon-coats, not watery.

Best Uses

thick slices on sturdy bread—won’t collapse into watery sadness
slow-cooked paste-style sauces that need concentration and a firmer yield
hearty salads where tomato stays firm under dressing
roasting for jammy, sun-warmed caramel notes

Flavor Profile

bold, tomato-forward sweetness meaty, dense flesh with a juicy bite classic tomato tang that keeps its backbone

Kitchen Pairings

garlic red onion olive oil balsamic vinegar Parmigiano-Reggiano white beans

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage early blight or septoria leaf spot on Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) 'Ace 55'?

Early blight and septoria leaf spot show up as dark spots on older leaves, often moving upward as humidity rises. Remove and discard infected lower leaves, avoid overhead watering, and water at the soil line so foliage stays dry. If spots keep spreading, spray according to the label with a tomato-safe fungicide (e.g., chlorothalonil or copper-based products) beginning at first symptoms and repeating as directed.

How often should I water 'Ace 55' tomato during peak growth to prevent blossom-end rot and cracking?

During the main growth and fruit-set phase, keep soil consistently moist with about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, increasing during hot spells. Water deeply so moisture reaches several inches down, then let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry slightly before watering again—this steady pattern helps prevent blossom-end rot. Mulch around the plants to reduce swings in soil moisture that lead to fruit cracking.

When is 'Ace 55' tomato ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and the skin turns its mature color, typically starting around 70–85 days after sowing/planting depending on conditions. Pick when the fruit is firm but gives slightly to gentle pressure, and stop harvesting only when the plant is finished producing or gets hit hard by disease. For best flavor, harvest in the cool part of the day and let any slightly underripe fruit finish coloring indoors.