Early Pick

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Early Pick to a garden.

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

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Early Pick Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Apr 6th	Jul 13th	Sep 13th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Mar 27th	Jul 3rd	Sep 3rd – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Mar 27th	Jul 3rd	Sep 3rd – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Mar 31st	Jul 7th	Sep 7th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Mar 27th	Jul 3rd	Sep 3rd – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Mar 25th	Jul 1st	Sep 1st – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 20th	Jun 26th	Aug 27th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 16th	Jun 22nd	Aug 23rd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 13th	Jun 19th	Aug 20th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 7th	Jun 13th	Aug 14th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 2nd	Jun 8th	Aug 9th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 20th	May 29th	Jul 30th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 11th	May 20th	Jul 21st – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 2nd	May 11th	Jul 12th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 16th	Apr 24th	Jun 25th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 22nd	Mar 30th	May 31st – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	Continuous Production
Zone 10b	Continuous Production
Zone 11a	Continuous Production
Zone 11b	Continuous Production
Zone 12a	Continuous Production
Zone 12b	Continuous Production
Zone 13a	Continuous Production
Zone 13b	Continuous Production

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.