Fourth of July

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Fourth of July to a garden.

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

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Fourth of July 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 16th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Mar 27th	Jul 3rd	Sep 6th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Mar 27th	Jul 3rd	Sep 6th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Mar 31st	Jul 7th	Sep 10th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Mar 27th	Jul 3rd	Sep 6th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Mar 25th	Jul 1st	Sep 4th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 20th	Jun 26th	Aug 30th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 16th	Jun 22nd	Aug 26th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 13th	Jun 19th	Aug 23rd – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 7th	Jun 13th	Aug 17th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 2nd	Jun 8th	Aug 12th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 20th	May 29th	Aug 2nd – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 11th	May 20th	Jul 24th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 2nd	May 11th	Jul 15th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 16th	Apr 24th	Jun 28th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 22nd	Mar 30th	Jun 3rd – 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	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.