Early Pick

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

First blush of flavor arrives with Early Pick’s bright, garden-ripe tang—juicy, aromatic, and richly tomato-forward from the very first slices.

The fruit forms a classic slicing shape with a firm, smooth flesh that stays pleasantly meaty, not watery, making it a standout for fresh plates, bold sauces, and quick pickling batches. Grow it for early-season satisfaction: steady performance, dependable fruit set, and a satisfying harvest window that keeps coming.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 62 DaysHabit: Determinate

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 7th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 13th
Harvest Begins	Aug 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	62
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)	8

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Early Pick earns its keep with early-season tang plus a firm, meaty interior—so it slices clean and keeps its shape when heat or acid hits. Use it where you want tomato flavor to lead the conversation, not hide behind heavy cream or long cooking.

Best Uses

thick slices on flaky salt with a slick of olive oil (it won’t turn watery on the plate)
quick-churn tomato sauce—simmer just enough to mellow the tang and turn juicy into a silky gloss
fast, bold pickling batches where the fruit stays structured
warm grilled tomato halves for char plus a still-meaty bite

Flavor Profile

bright, garden-ripe tang juicy but meaty sliceable flesh tomato-forward aroma clean, lightly sweet finish

Kitchen Pairings

extra-virgin olive oil garlic white vinegar or cider vinegar fresh mozzarella black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) in home gardens, and how do I stop it?

Early-season tomatoes commonly run into early blight (Alternaria), which shows up as brown, concentric “target” spots on older leaves. Remove and discard infected leaves, then spray with a labeled fungicide that lists tomatoes and early blight and keep foliage as dry as possible with drip irrigation. If plants are crowded, thin to improve airflow because damp, dense canopies let the fungus spread quickly.

How often should I water tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruit set (roughly after flowering), water deeply about 1–2 times per week, adjusting so the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy. Aim for consistent moisture around the roots; irregular watering is a big trigger for blossom-end rot and fruit cracking. Use drip or a slow soak so the root zone gets moisture, and let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings.

How can I tell when Solanum lycopersicum ‘Early Pick’ tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and show full color for the cultivar, with a slight give when gently pressed. For best flavor, pick at the mature color stage (not just the first hint of ripening) and use a light twist or snip to detach the fruit. Avoid waiting until fruits are fully soft—soft fruit bruises easily and can invite rotting on the vine.