Goliath

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

Sink your senses into Goliath’s lush, beefsteak richness—an impressively large fruit with a velvety, deep red glow and a juicy, meaty bite.

The flesh is thick and satisfying, with balanced, tomato-forward flavor that shines in hearty slices and bold preparations. Grow Goliath for show-stopping garden presence and a centerpiece harvest that begs to be savored at its peak.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

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 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 18th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Goliath’s beefsteak heft gives you a velvety, high-solid chew—great for slicing without turning watery. Use salt and heat to push the natural sweetness, then pair with sharp fats (aged cheese or olive oil) to keep the tomato flavor loud and clean.

Best Uses

thick slice sandwiches where it won’t collapse into soggy bread
quick-sear or roast to concentrate sugars and edges
bowl-ready bruschetta topping (salted and spooned while warm)
chunky salsa or pico for a firmer, chunkier mouthfeel

Flavor Profile

meaty, high-solid tomato bite balanced, tomato-forward acidity velvety flesh with a juicy chew deep red, roast-friendly sweetness

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil black pepper mozzarella aged cheddar balsamic vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and what should I do?

Look for early blight and septoria leaf spot, which start as small dark spots on older leaves and spread upward in warm, humid weather. Remove and discard affected leaves early, improve airflow with proper spacing and pruning, and water at the base so foliage stays dry. If new spotting continues, spray a labeled tomato fungicide according to the product directions and repeat as directed.

How often should I water a Goliath tomato during the main growing phase?

During flowering and fruit set, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply 1–3 times per week rather than light daily watering, and always water at the soil line to prevent leaf disease. If leaves droop midday, check the top 1 inch of soil first; only water if it’s dry at that depth.

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

Harvest when fruit is fully colored for the variety and the skin is firm but not hard, with a slight give when gently squeezed. Fruit should be at mature size and mature-ripe—avoid waiting until it’s very soft, since ripe tomatoes can crack or invite rot. Pick regularly as soon as they ripen to keep the plant producing.