Arkansas Traveler

Tomato

Zone 5b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Arkansas Traveler

🌱 85d to harvest Indeterminate

Sink your senses into Arkansas Traveler’s rich, old-fashioned tomato fragrance and a juicy, beefsteak heft that feels substantial…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 16th
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 29th
Harvest Begins	Sep 22nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
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)	8

Recommended Companions

Nufar Basil Basil

Thai Sweet Basil Basil

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat early blight on Arkansas Traveler tomatoes?

Early blight shows up as small dark spots on older leaves that expand into concentric “bullseye” rings, often starting near the bottom of the plant. Remove and discard infected leaves early, avoid wetting foliage, and spray with a labeled chlorothalonil or copper product at 5–7 day intervals during wet spells. Make sure plants have good airflow by spacing and pruning lightly so leaves dry quickly after rain.

How often should I water Arkansas Traveler tomatoes during peak fruiting (about weeks 6–10 after transplant)?

During peak fruiting, keep the soil consistently moist by watering deeply about 1–2 times per week, giving enough water to wet 8–10 inches of soil. Aim for steady moisture—if the top 1 inch dries out and leaves start to flag, water, but don’t let the soil swing between bone-dry and soaked (this increases blossom-end rot and fruit cracking). Use mulch to reduce evaporation and water at the base, not overhead.

When are Arkansas Traveler tomatoes ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for the variety (red and well-developed) and the shoulders are no longer green, usually around 85 days from transplant. Give the tomato a gentle twist—ripe fruits detach easily from the vine; if it doesn’t release, it’s likely not ripe enough yet. For best flavor, pick when they are firm but yield slightly to thumb pressure (avoid waiting until they’re overly soft).

Sink your senses into Arkansas Traveler’s rich, old-fashioned tomato fragrance and a juicy, beefsteak heft that feels substantial in the hand. The flesh is deep, rosy-red with a balanced, pleasantly tangy sweetness—ideal for slicing into thick, velvety rounds that shine in fresh salads and standout sandwiches, and also delivers beautifully when simmered into robust sauces. A true garden centerpiece for growers who want bold flavor and a classic, heirloom-style presence from vine to table.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 8 days first.

Expert Note

Start indoors about 7 weeks before your last spring frost, then wait until soil is truly warm (around 60°F+)—Arkansas Traveler is hardy, but cold soil early can still stunt tomatoes.