German Johnson

Tomato

Zone 12a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of German Johnson

🌱 90d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your senses into German Johnson’s rich, old-world tomato perfume—sweet, tangy, and deeply savory in one lush breath. This be…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 6th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 26th
Harvest Begins	May 27th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my German Johnson tomato leaves developing small grayish-brown spots with fuzzy growth, and what should I do?

This pattern is commonly gray leaf spot or related fungal issues in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), especially when leaves stay wet and air is humid. Remove and discard infected leaves, improve airflow with wider spacing, and water at the soil level (not overhead). If it keeps spreading, apply a labeled fungicide suitable for tomatoes and repeat as directed, starting as soon as spots appear.

How often should I water German Johnson tomatoes during fruiting to avoid cracking and blossom-end rot?

During the main growing/fruiting phase, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, typically watering about 1–2 inches per week depending on heat and container vs. ground. Aim for deep watering 1–3 times per week rather than frequent light splashes, and let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly before watering again. Maintain steady moisture—irregular drying then heavy watering commonly leads to fruit cracking and can worsen blossom-end rot.

How can I tell when German Johnson tomatoes are ready to harvest at ~90 days?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored (uniform red for this type) and the shoulder area gives slightly when gently pressed. The fruit should detach with a light twist, with no long green, hard core near the stem. If frost is possible, pick at the turning stage and let them finish ripening indoors at room temperature.

Sink your senses into German Johnson’s rich, old-world tomato perfume—sweet, tangy, and deeply savory in one lush breath. This beefsteak standout forms large, irregularly heart-shaped fruits with a satin-smooth, rosy-red skin and a juicy, meaty interior that stays satisfyingly firm. Grow it for bold fresh slicing and for spoonable sauces that showcase its full-bodied flavor from garden to pot.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start indoors far enough ahead to build a sturdy root ball, then transplant only once soil reliably warms to reduce cold-stress and improve early yields.