Fourth of July

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Bursting with sun-warmed sweetness and a bright, classic tomato tang, ‘Fourth of July’ delivers glossy, red fruit that feel satisfyingly substantial in the hand.

The flesh is richly juicy with a balanced, seed-studded bite—ideal for thick slices that hold their shape on the plate. Grow this slicing tomato for bold summer color and dependable performance, and enjoy its vibrant flavor in fresh salads, sandwich-style favorites, and bold sauces that showcase its true tomato character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 65 DaysHabit: Determinate

Botanical illustration of Fourth of July

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 17th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
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)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

A slicing tomato built for hands-on eating: the flesh is juicy but structured, with enough snap around the seeds to stay present on a plate. It shines when you keep the cast simple—salt, fat, and heat—so its tangy sweetness can run the show.

Best Uses

thick slicing for sourdough sandwiches where it won’t collapse into wet slop
summer chopped salad with just salt, olive oil, and a quick shred of onion
high-simmer tomato sauce that can reduce to a glossy, balanced finish
grilled tomato halves for caramelized edges and jammy centers

Flavor Profile

sun-warmed sweetness bright, classic tomato tang juicy flesh with a seed-studded bite firm slice that holds plate presence

Kitchen Pairings

black pepper extra-virgin olive oil mozzarella white bread/sourdough red onion aged balsamic vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Solanum lycopersicum (Fourth of July tomato), and how can I address it?

In wet or humid weather, tomato late blight (and sometimes early blight) can strike Solanum lycopersicum, starting as dark, expanding leaf spots that may progress quickly. Remove infected leaves as soon as you see symptoms, keep foliage as dry as possible, and apply a labeled tomato fungicide early according to package directions (especially if the forecast calls for repeated wet days). Space plants for airflow and water at the soil line rather than overhead to slow spread.

How often should I water during the main growing phase of Fourth of July tomatoes?

During active fruiting, water deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming for consistently moist (not soggy) soil in the top 6–8 inches. If you’re getting hot, windy weather, check moisture 1 inch down—water when it feels dry at that depth to help prevent blossom-end rot and cracking. Keep watering steady rather than letting the soil dry out completely between bursts.

How do I know when Fourth of July tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruits have reached full color for their variety (red and slightly glossy) and are firm but give slightly when gently squeezed. Most Fourth of July tomatoes are ready around 65 days from transplant; start checking daily once plants begin setting clusters. If a tomato is still pale, green with no red blush, let it finish ripening on the vine for the best flavor.