SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Early Pick

Tomato
Zone 9b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Early Pick to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Early Pick
62d to harvest

First blush of flavor arrives with Early Pick’s bright, garden-ripe tang—juicy, aromatic, and richly tomato-forward from the very first slices. The fruit forms a classic slicing shape with a firm, smooth flesh that stays pleasantly meaty, not watery, making it a standout for fresh plates, bold sauces, and quick pickling batches. Grow it for early-season satisfaction: steady performance, dependable fruit set, and a satisfying harvest window that keeps coming.

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsDec 22nd
Last FrostFeb 9th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsMar 30th
Harvest BeginsMay 31st
Harvest EndsDec 9th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity62
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitDeterminate
Support NeededCage
Planting DepthDeep
Germination Temp (°F)75
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)8

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Early Pick in Zone 9b typically begins around 2026-03-30. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Early Pick.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 9b, the average last spring frost is around February 09. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Early Pick.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) in home gardens, and how do I stop it?
Early-season tomatoes commonly run into early blight (Alternaria), which shows up as brown, concentric “target” spots on older leaves. Remove and discard infected leaves, then spray with a labeled fungicide that lists tomatoes and early blight and keep foliage as dry as possible with drip irrigation. If plants are crowded, thin to improve airflow because damp, dense canopies let the fungus spread quickly.
How often should I water tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) during the main growing phase?
During active growth and fruit set (roughly after flowering), water deeply about 1–2 times per week, adjusting so the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy. Aim for consistent moisture around the roots; irregular watering is a big trigger for blossom-end rot and fruit cracking. Use drip or a slow soak so the root zone gets moisture, and let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings.
Botanical illustration of Early Pick

First blush of flavor arrives with Early Pick’s bright, garden-ripe tang—juicy, aromatic, and richly tomato-forward from the very first slices. The fruit forms a classic slicing shape with a firm, smooth flesh that stays pleasantly meaty, not watery, making it a standout for fresh plates, bold sauces, and quick pickling batches. Grow it for early-season satisfaction: steady performance, dependable fruit set, and a satisfying harvest window that keeps coming.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Early Pick in Zone 9b typically begins around 2026-03-30. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Early Pick.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 9b, the average last spring frost is around February 09. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Early Pick.

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

For best success, transplant only when nighttime temperatures stay reliably above ~50°F and soil is warm (about 60°F+) so this early hybrid doesn’t stall.