Goliath Bush Tomato

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sink your senses into Goliath Bush Tomato’s richly perfumed, sun-warmed flesh—an indulgent beefsteak experience with bold, juicy flavor and a satisfyingly meaty bite.

Fruits develop into large, classic tomato globes with a smooth, satin skin and a deep, rosy-red interior that holds its character from garden to platter. Ideal for thick slices and hearty centerpiece salads, Goliath Bush Tomato also shines in robust sauces where its full-bodied taste can take the lead.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Determinate

Botanical illustration of Goliath Bush Tomato

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

A beefsteak build with big, meaty cells and pronounced, juicy acidity—Goliath turns a simple slice into something you can actually chew. Use it where you want texture to hold (thick sandwiches, grilled sears) or where you’ll let it reduce into a sauce that coats instead of thinning out.

Best Uses

thick slicing for sandwich layers that won’t instantly collapse
hearty centerpiece salads with minimal dressing—let the juice and seeds do the work
robust pan sauces and quick reductions where the flesh breaks down into a spoonable sheen
steaks and grill plates: sear hard for jammy edges, keep the center juicy

Flavor Profile

sun-warmed, perfumed tomato aroma bold, juicy acidity meaty beefsteak flesh with a classic satin bite

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil red onion black pepper balsamic vinegar aged provolone

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and what should I do first?

Early blight and leaf spot are common on tomatoes, especially when leaves stay wet and plants are crowded. Remove and discard infected lower leaves, then water at the soil line (not the foliage) and space plants so air moves through the canopy. If spots keep spreading, apply a labeled fungicide for tomatoes and follow the label schedule, starting as soon as you see dark, concentric spots.

How often should I water Goliath bush tomato during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture target should I aim for?

During flowering and fruit set, keep soil evenly moist by watering when the top 1 inch of soil dries, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat. Give a deep soaking so moisture reaches the root zone, avoiding frequent light sprinkles that encourage surface rooting and disease. Consistent moisture helps prevent cracking and blossom-end rot; mulch can help stabilize moisture levels for bush tomatoes.

How can I tell when Goliath bush tomato is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and turn their mature color (typically fully red for standard red types), and the skin looks glossy and firm. They should give slightly to gentle pressure at the blossom end, but not feel soft or collapsing. For peak flavor, pick as the first fruits fully ripen and leave remaining trusses to finish.