Pink Berkeley

Family: Solanaceae Vegetable

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Pink Berkeley to a garden.

Sunlit and softly blushing, Pink Berkeley tomatoes ripen to a gentle pink that feels velvety at first glance and tastes richly sweet with a balanced, classic tomato tang.

The flesh is notably smooth and juicy, with a firm, sliceable bite that holds its shape beautifully on the plant. Grow Pink Berkeley for generous, midseason harvests—ideal for fresh slicing and for turning into silky sauces and vibrant preserves that showcase its delicate color.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Determinate

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Pink Berkeley 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 20th	Oct 18th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Mar 27th	Jul 10th	Oct 8th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Mar 27th	Jul 10th	Oct 8th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Mar 31st	Jul 14th	Oct 12th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Mar 27th	Jul 10th	Oct 8th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Mar 25th	Jul 8th	Oct 6th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 20th	Jul 3rd	Oct 1st – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 16th	Jun 29th	Sep 27th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 13th	Jun 26th	Sep 24th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 7th	Jun 20th	Sep 18th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 2nd	Jun 15th	Sep 13th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 20th	Jun 5th	Sep 3rd – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 11th	May 27th	Aug 25th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 2nd	May 18th	Aug 16th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 16th	May 1st	Jul 30th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 22nd	Apr 6th	Jul 5th – 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	90
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

Pink Berkeley’s smooth, juicy interior and firm sliceable structure make it a standout for cutting—each bite stays intact, not mealy. When cooked, it reduces into a glossy, sweet-tart sauce that stays elegant enough for preserves rather than turning harsh.

Best Uses

thick raw slices with flaky salt (won’t collapse into mush)
hot-light sear and quick pan finish for juicy, structured tomato rounds
silky reduce for a glossy tomato sauce with a clean, sweet-tart line
small-batch pink tomato jam/preserves for a bright, delicate color that tastes like candy-tomato

Flavor Profile

gentle sweetness balanced classic tomato tang smooth, juicy flesh firm sliceable bite

Kitchen Pairings

extra-virgin olive oil balsamic vinegar fresh mozzarella garlic black pepper roasted chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease or pest is most common on Solanum lycopersicum (Pink Berkeley) and how do I control it?

Late blight and early blight are the most common tomato diseases, often showing up as dark leaf spots that spread quickly in humid weather. Remove and discard infected leaves immediately, keep foliage dry by watering at the soil line, and improve airflow with wider spacing and pruning of lower leaves. For home control, use a labeled tomato fungicide promptly when spots first appear, following the product’s reapplication schedule.

How often should I water Pink Berkeley tomatoes during the main growing phase?

During active fruiting, keep the soil evenly moist—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Water deeply at the base so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry slightly before the next watering to reduce disease pressure. Inconsistent watering can trigger blossom-end rot, so don’t let the soil swing between very dry and waterlogged.

How can I tell when Pink Berkeley tomatoes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full color for the variety (pink-red) and feel slightly soft when gently squeezed—not mushy. Look for a mature size that matches the typical Pink Berkeley fruit (about 4–5 cm across for many fruits) and pick before they crack or split. For best flavor, pick in the cooler part of the day and leave the stem attached.