Tomatoes are the quintessential summer staple, and few varieties can match the charm and reliability of the Early Girl tomato. This beautiful, round, and vibrant red tomato has captured the hearts of gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike with its sweetness, early ripening time and bountiful yield. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, the Early Girl tomato is a must-have addition to your vegetable patch.
The History Behind the Early Girl
The story of the Early Girl tomato is a testament to the art and science of plant breeding. This hybrid variety was developed in the 1970s by PetoSeed, a company now part of Seminis Vegetable Seeds. The breeders’ goal was to create a tomato that combined early maturity with excellent flavor and disease resistance—a trifecta that had been challenging to achieve.
The Early Girl is a cross between two parent lines, each contributing desirable traits. One parent provided the early ripening gene, while the other offered superior flavor and plant vigor. The result was a tomato that could produce tasty fruits much earlier than most varieties, extending the harvest season significantly.
Initially, the rights to the Early Girl were held by PetoSeed, who licensed it to various seed companies. In the 1980s, Monsanto (now part of Bayer) acquired PetoSeed, gaining ownership of this popular variety. Despite changes in corporate ownership, the Early Girl’s genetics have remained consistent, ensuring that gardeners today enjoy the same qualities that made it famous decades ago.
The Early Girl’s success led to the development of other “early” tomatoes, such as Early Wonder and Fourth of July. However, few have matched the Early Girl’s perfect blend of speed, taste, and reliability, cementing its status as a garden classic.
Quick Facts about the Early Girl Tomato
- Color: Bright red with a smooth, glossy skin
- Size: Medium-sized fruits, typically weighing 4-8 ounces
- Shape: Uniform, round globe shape, perfect for slicing
- Taste: Well-balanced, classic tomato flavor with a good sweet-to-acid ratio
- Texture: Firm yet juicy, with a meaty interior and moderate seed content
- Plant Type: Indeterminate vining plants, growing 6-8 feet tall
- Days to Maturity: Rapid, just 50-62 days from transplanting
- Yield: High and consistent throughout the growing season
- Heat Tolerance: Adaptable to various climates, performs well in both cool and warm regions
- Hardiness Zone: Versatile, thrives in zones 3-9
Pros
- Exceptionally early ripening, providing the first tomatoes of the season
- Classic, well-balanced tomato flavor loved by many
- High yields, ensure a steady supply throughout the summer
- Excellent disease resistance, particularly to fusarium and verticillium wilt
- Adaptable to various climates and growing conditions
- Perfect size and shape for sandwiches, salads, and general use
- Reliable producer, even for novice gardeners
- Widely available in most garden centers and nurseries
Cons
- Hybrid variety, so saved seeds won’t produce true-to-type plants
- Some argue that heirloom varieties offer more complex flavors
- Indeterminate growth requires sturdy support structures
- Not the largest tomato, if you prefer beefsteak sizes
- less sweet than some other varieties
- Needs consistent watering to prevent cracking
- Might not stand out in terms of unique color or shape
Unique Characteristics of the Early Girl Tomato
The Early Girl tomato is a hybrid variety that has earned its place in countless gardens due to its exceptional qualities. As its name suggests, this tomato is known for its early maturity, typically producing ripe fruits 50 to 62 days after transplanting. This characteristic makes it a favorite among gardeners in cooler regions or those who simply can’t wait to enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes.
But earliness isn’t the only attribute that makes the Early Girl shine. These tomatoes offer a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, resulting in a classic, tangy tomato flavor that many consider the epitome of what a tomato should taste like. The fruits are medium-sized, usually weighing between 4 to 8 ounces, with a smooth, round shape that’s ideal for slicing.
Another reason for the Early Girl’s popularity is its versatility. Whether you’re making a colorful salad, crafting the perfect BLT sandwich, or preparing a hearty pasta sauce, these tomatoes are up to the task. Their firm texture holds up well in various culinary applications, making them a go-to choice for many home cooks.
Characteristics and Qualities
Ripening Season and Yield
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Early Girl tomato is its early ripening season. These plants produce ready-to-harvest fruits within a mere 50-60 days after transplanting, providing gardeners with a delightful head start on their tomato bounty. Once the ripening begins, the plants continue to yield a steady supply of tomatoes until the first frost arrives, ensuring a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Tomato Size and Flavor
While not an heirloom variety, the Early Girl tomato boasts a delightful, old-fashioned tomato flavor that perfectly balances sweetness and acidity. These tomatoes are not gigantic, but rather reach a modest size akin to a tennis ball, typically weighing between 4 and 8 ounces. Their compact size makes them ideal for slicing and adding to sandwiches, and salads, or as a versatile ingredient in a variety of recipes.
Plant Growth and Spacing
The Early Girl tomato plants are vigorous growers, reaching heights of 6-10 feet when provided with proper care and support. To ensure optimal growth and air circulation, it’s recommended to space the seedlings at least 2 feet apart when transplanting them into the garden.
Planting and Care
Planting Zones and Sunlight Requirements
The Early Girl tomato thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making it a suitable choice for gardeners across a wide range of climates. These plants require direct sunlight, ideally receiving 6-8 hours of sun exposure per day, to produce their best yields.
Soil and Water Needs
Like most tomato varieties, the Early Girl tomato prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter. Consistent watering is crucial, with the plants requiring approximately 1 inch of water per week to maintain optimal growth and fruit production.
Fertilization and Pruning
To ensure a bountiful harvest, providing the Early Girl tomato plants with the necessary nutrients is essential. A balanced calcium-rich fertilizer can help promote healthy fruit development and prevent blossom end rot. Additionally, pruning and pinching techniques can be employed to encourage bushier growth and better air circulation, ultimately leading to higher yields.
Disease and Pest Resistance
One of the standout features of the Early Girl tomato is its resistance to most common tomato diseases, making it an excellent choice for organic gardeners. However, it’s important to note that these plants can still be susceptible to verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that can slow growth and reduce yields. Regular monitoring and preventative measures, such as crop rotation and proper soil preparation, can help mitigate the risk of this disease.
While the Early Girl tomato is relatively disease-resistant, it’s not entirely immune to pests. Tomato hornworms and aphids are two common culprits that can wreak havoc on your plants. Regularly inspecting your plants and employing natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, can help keep these pests at bay.
Harvesting and Uses
The first fruits of the Early Girl tomato are ready for harvesting within 52-60 days after transplanting, and the plants continue to produce throughout the growing season until the first frost. These versatile tomatoes can be enjoyed fresh in salads, sandwiches, and salsas, or cooked into sauces, soups, and baked dishes, adding a delightful sweetness to any recipe.
Preserving Your Harvest
If you find yourself with an abundance of Early Girl tomatoes, there are several preservation methods to extend their shelf life. Canning, freezing, and drying are all effective ways to enjoy your homegrown tomatoes long after the growing season has ended.
Companion Planting and Crop Rotation
Companion planting and crop rotation are two strategies that can help optimize the health and productivity of your Early Girl tomatoes. Planting basil, marigolds, or nasturtiums nearby can help repel pests and improve flavor. Avoid planting tomatoes in the same location year after year, as this can lead to a buildup of soil-borne diseases. Instead, rotate your tomato plants with other crops like lettuce, cucumbers, or beans to break disease cycles and maintain soil health.
Early Girl Recipe Ideas
The Early Girl’s classic flavor, perfect size, and firm texture make it a versatile star in the kitchen. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your harvest:
Early Girl Caprese Salad
Layer sliced Early Girls with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves. Drizzle with quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple, elegant appetizer that showcases the tomato’s balanced taste.
Grilled Early Girl and Halloumi Skewers
Thread thick Early Girl wedges with slices of halloumi cheese and red onion on skewers. Brush with herb-infused oil and grill for a smoky, tangy dish that highlights the tomato’s firm texture.
Early Girl Panzanella
Cube Early Girls and mix with toasted bread chunks, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Toss in a zesty vinaigrette for an Italian bread salad that benefits from the Early Girl’s non-watery flesh.
Early Girl Tomato Pie
Layer sliced Early Girls in a pie crust with cheddar, mozzarella, and herbs. Top with a mayo-based mixture and bake for a Southern favorite that showcases the tomato’s robust flavor.
Stuffed Early Girl Tomatoes
Hollow out Early Girls and fill with a mix of quinoa, feta, spinach, and pine nuts. Bake until bubbly for a protein-packed vegetarian meal that utilizes the tomato’s perfect palm-sized shape.
Early Girl Tomato Jam
Simmer chopped Early Girls with sugar, lemon juice, and spices until thick. This unexpected treat brings out the tomato’s natural sweetness, perfect on crackers with goat cheese.
Where to Find Early Girl Tomato Plants and Seeds
Early Girl is one of the most popular tomato varieties, making it widely available:
- Home Depot – Offers Early Girl plants in spring. $3.98 per 4-inch pot.
- Bonnie Plants – Major supplier to many garden centers. 6-pack of plants for $12.99.
- Burpee – Renowned seed company. Seeds: $4.99 per packet. Plants: $5.99 each.
- Ferry-Morse – Long-standing seed brand. Seeds: $2.99 for 40 seeds.
- Local Nurseries – Most carry Early Girl plants, often in various pot sizes.
Conclusion
The Early Girl tomato is a true gardener’s delight, offering a reliable and bountiful harvest with minimal fuss. Its early ripening, disease resistance, and delightful flavor make it a must-have addition to any vegetable garden. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your gardening journey, the Early Girl tomato is sure to become a cherished favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, plant your Early Girl seeds, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and rewarding harvest all season long.
Have you grown Early Girl tomatoes in your garden? Share your experiences, tips, and favorite recipes in the comments below!
