Silvery Fir Tree

Family: Solanaceae Nightshade

A silvery sheen drapes the fruit of ‘Silvery Fir Tree,’ catching the light like frost on a fir bough.

This beefsteak tomato delivers a rich, full-bodied flavor with a juicy, meaty bite—ideal for showcasing in thick slices and hearty, colorful preparations. Grow it for its striking, pale-tinged look and its satisfying, garden-ripe presence at about 85 days.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Determinate

Botanical illustration of Silvery Fir Tree

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	Sep 6th
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)	8

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Built like a classic beefsteak: lots of flesh, juicy without turning to mush, and a savory tomato character that stands up to high heat. Slice it thick and treat it like a main—season hard, let it blister, and it’ll stay sculptural on the plate.

Best Uses

thick slicing for straight-up tomato sandwiches where the fruit doesn’t collapse
quick pan-blistering or broiling to concentrate flavor and hold texture
hearty caprese-style plates (with dressing kept heavier, not watery)
chunky salsa or tomato relish where the pulp stays substantial

Flavor Profile

rich, full-bodied tomato flavor meaty, juicy bite with firm slice integrity gentle acidity with a savory, almost umami-leaning finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic olive oil fresh mozzarella balsamic vinegar salted butter black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A frequent problem is early blight (Alternaria) showing as brown, concentric “target” spots on older leaves, sometimes spreading upward. Remove and discard infected leaves, water at the soil line (not the foliage), and improve airflow by pruning lower leaves that touch the soil. If it keeps advancing, apply an approved fungicide labeled for tomatoes and start at the first signs rather than waiting.

How often should I water tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruiting, aim for consistently moist soil with about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply 1–2 times weekly instead of frequent light watering, and keep the root zone evenly moist to reduce blossom-end rot and splitting.

How can I tell when Solanum lycopersicum is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach full size and develop their final color, typically with a slight give when gently squeezed. For best flavor, pick most fruit at the “fully colored” stage (not just partially red) and remove them regularly so the plant can keep producing.