SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Lillian's Yellow Heirloom

Tomato
Zone 1b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Lillian's Yellow Heirloom to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Lillian's Yellow Heirloom
85d to harvest

Sun-warmed and honeyed, Lillian's Yellow Heirloom tomatoes glow in the garden with a luminous golden blush that tastes richly sweet and softly tangy. Their beefsteak-size flesh is velvety and juicy, with a tender, seed-filled interior that makes every slice feel lush and abundant. Grow for standout slicing tomatoes—ideal for fresh salads, vibrant sauces, and golden-hued preserves that showcase their heirloom character at its best.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start indoors early enough for sturdy transplants, then wait to transplant until soil is truly warm (60°F+) to prevent stunting in beefsteak types.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 85-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostJun 1st
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity85
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitIndeterminate
Support NeededStake
Planting DepthDeep
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Lillian's Yellow Heirloom.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1b has only 61 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 85-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Solanum lycopersicum (heirloom tomato), and how do I treat it?
Early blight and Septoria leaf spot are common on tomatoes, showing as dark spots on lower leaves that spread upward. Remove and discard affected leaves, improve airflow by pruning only the lower crowded growth, and water at the soil line (not the foliage). If new spots appear, apply a labeled fungicide for tomatoes and repeat according to the label—start early because tomatoes deteriorate quickly once the disease cycle takes hold.
How often should I water Solanum lycopersicum during peak growth/fruiting, and what soil moisture target should I aim for?
During fruit set and the main growing phase, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for evenly damp soil about 1–2 inches deep. In most home gardens this means watering 1–2 times per week, with deeper soakings (more often in hot weather), because tomatoes that dry out then get soaked are prone to cracking and blossom-end rot. Always check the top few inches first; if they’re dry, water thoroughly at the base.
How can I tell when my Solanum lycopersicum tomatoes (about 85 days) are ready to harvest?
Harvest when the fruit reaches full color for the variety, the skin is smooth and evenly colored, and the tomato yields slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid waiting for the last moment—greenish or firm fruit will ripen more slowly off the plant, and overly mature tomatoes are more likely to split or attract pests. For best flavor, pick in the cool part of the day and leave a short stem attachment.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start indoors early enough for sturdy transplants, then wait to transplant until soil is truly warm (60°F+) to prevent stunting in beefsteak types.

Botanical illustration of Lillian's Yellow Heirloom

Sun-warmed and honeyed, Lillian's Yellow Heirloom tomatoes glow in the garden with a luminous golden blush that tastes richly sweet and softly tangy. Their beefsteak-size flesh is velvety and juicy, with a tender, seed-filled interior that makes every slice feel lush and abundant. Grow for standout slicing tomatoes—ideal for fresh salads, vibrant sauces, and golden-hued preserves that showcase their heirloom character at its best.