Bush Early Girl

Tomato

Zone 12b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Bush Early Girl

🌱 75d to harvest Determinate

Sun-warmed and richly aromatic, Bush Early Girl brings a classic slicer’s promise with a smooth, juicy bite and a balanced, sweet…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 13th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 26th
Harvest Begins	May 12th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Determinate
Support Needed	Cage
Planting Depth	Deep
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Recommended Companions

Moss Curled Parsley

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Blue Spice Basil Basil

White Satin Carrot

Boxwood Basil

Adelaide Carrot

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage early blight on Bush Early Girl tomatoes?

Early blight shows up as dark, concentric “target” spots on older leaves first, often with yellowing spreading upward. Remove and discard affected lower leaves as soon as you spot spots, water at the soil line (not the foliage), and apply a labeled fungicide such as chlorothalonil or mancozeb early in the outbreak and repeat as directed. Improve airflow by spacing plants and removing suckers if your plants are crowding, because dense foliage makes early blight spread fast.

How often should I water Bush Early Girl tomatoes during peak growth?

During the main growing phase (when plants are actively setting fruit), aim to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—about 1 to 2 inches of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. In hot weather, check daily: if the top 1 inch of soil is dry, water deeply until the root zone is wet and runoff begins, then wait until that 1-inch layer dries again. Mulch around plants helps prevent the wet-dry swings that cause Blossom End Rot on this variety.

When are Bush Early Girl tomatoes ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored (mostly red for this early variety), slightly firm, and have a full, tomato-like scent. If the fruit lifts easily from the stem with a gentle twist and the bottom shoulder is no longer green, it’s ready. For best flavor, pick at peak ripeness near the 75-day mark and avoid leaving fruits on the plant through repeated cool, wet nights.

Sun-warmed and richly aromatic, Bush Early Girl brings a classic slicer’s promise with a smooth, juicy bite and a balanced, sweet-tangy flavor. At maturity, its medium-large fruits develop a deep, true red blush with a firm yet tender flesh—ideal for showcasing in fresh slices, bright salads, and vibrant sauces. Compact and dependable for the home garden, it delivers early-season satisfaction in a tidy bush habit.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For the earliest production, transplant only when soil is reliably warm (around 60°F+) and keep plants evenly watered to avoid blossom-end rot.