If you’re a home gardener and are in search of a delicious and reliable tomato variety, look no further than the New Girl. The New Girl tomato is a relatively new and unique variety that has been capturing the attention of home gardeners and gourmet chefs alike.
This heirloom-style tomato boasts a stunning appearance, with a vibrant, almost neon-like pink hue that sets it apart from the more common red and yellow tomato varieties. Keep reading to learn about this sweet heirloom variety.
What’s so special about The New Girl Tomato?
Hailing from the same family as the popular Early Girl tomato, the New Girl shares many of its sibling’s desirable traits, but with a few key improvements. Where the Early Girl usually matures in around 52 days, the New Girl takes a bit longer at 62 days to reach full ripeness. However, this extra week of development time cracks to a deeper, more complex flavor profile that many gardeners find irresistible.
“The New Girl strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity,” says Hoss, a seasoned home gardener and tomato enthusiast. “It has that classic tomato taste that you crave, but with a little extra oomph that makes it stand out.
Quick Facts
- Variety: Heirloom/open-pollinated
- Origin: Developed by a small specialty seed company in the Pacific Northwest
- Plant Type: Indeterminate, meaning it will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season
- Fruit Size: Medium to large, typically 8-12 ounces
- Flavor: Sweet, with a hint of tanginess and a smooth, almost creamy texture
- Days to Maturity: 75-85 days from transplant
Pros
- Exceptional, well-balanced flavor profile
- Stunning, vibrant pink color
- Unique, almost heart-shaped appearance
- Smooth, creamy texture
Cons
- Relatively finicky and requires more attentive care
- Prone to cracking or bruising due to delicate skin
- Susceptible to certain diseases, such as early blight
- Indeterminate growth habit can make the plants large and sprawling
How to Grow the New Girl Tomato?
Fortunately, Growing the New Girl tomato is a straightforward process that makes them an excellent choice for both seasoned gardeners and those new to growing their own produce. Start by sowing the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Plant the seeds in a sterile seed-starting mix, ensuring they are about 1/4 inch deep and spaced a few inches apart. Keep the soil moist and provide the seedlings with plenty of bright, direct light to encourage strong, stocky growth.
When it’s time to transplant the seedlings outdoors, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. Be sure to harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to longer periods of time outside before transplanting to help them acclimate to the outdoor conditions.
Proper care and maintenance are essential for a bountiful New Girl tomato harvest. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply a balanced, organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to provide the necessary nutrients. Additionally, be vigilant for any signs of pests or diseases, and take appropriate action to address them promptly.
Companion Planting and Disease Resistance
One of the standout features of the New Girl tomato is its exceptional disease resistance. This variety is highly tolerant of common tomato ailments, such as fusarium wilt, verticillium wilt, and early blight. Additionally, the New Girl’s compact growth habit and sturdy stems make it less susceptible to problems like hornworm damage and spider mite infestations.
To further boost the health and productivity of your New Girl plants, consider mixing companion planting into your garden design. Basil, marigolds, and borage are all excellent choices that can help deter pests, improve soil fertility, and even enhance the flavor of your tomatoes.
Health Benefits of the New Girl Tomato
Like all tomatoes, the New Girl variety is packed with a variety of essential nutrients and health-promoting compounds. One of the most notable features is the tomato’s high lycopene content, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
In addition to lycopene, the New Girl tomato is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. These nutrients play important roles in supporting immune function, bone health, and cardiovascular health, respectively. The tomato’s high water content and fiber content also make it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy digestive system.
How to Save Seeds from New Girl Tomato Plants
Saving seeds from your New Girl tomato plants is a great way to ensure you have a reliable source of this unique variety for future growing seasons. To save the seeds, simply allow a few of the best-looking fruits to fully ripen on the vine. Once the tomatoes are ripe, cut them open and scoop out the seeds, along with the gelatinous material surrounding them.
Spread the seeds out on a clean, dry surface and allow them to fully dry, which can take several days to a week. Once the seeds are completely dry, you can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to plant them the following season.
How to Use New Girl Tomatoes
The versatility of the New Girl tomato makes it a great choice for a wide range of culinary applications. The sweet, tangy flavor and smooth texture lend themselves well to both raw and cooked preparations.
In salads, the New Girl tomato can be sliced and used as a vibrant and flavorful addition. Its juiciness also makes it an excellent choice for salsas, bruschetta, and other fresh tomato-based dishes. For cooking, the New Girl tomato holds up well to roasting, grilling, or sautéing, and can be used in everything from pasta sauces and soups to stews and casseroles.
Where to Find New Girl Tomato Seeds?
If you’re eager to add the New Girl tomato to your home garden, you’ll be pleased to know that the seeds are widely available from a variety of online and local retailers. One reliable source is Amazon, where you can purchase packets of New Girl seeds at a reasonable price
With its winning combination of early maturity, superior flavor, and disease resistance, the New Girl tomato is an excellent choice for gardeners of all skill levels. So why not give this newcomer a try and enjoy the fruits of your labor all season long?
Wrapping Up
The New Girl tomato is a truly unique and remarkable variety that is sure to delight both home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts. With its stunning appearance, exceptional flavor, and impressive health benefits, it’s no wonder this tomato has been gaining a devoted following. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of vibrant color to your garden or seeking out a new and exciting ingredient for your kitchen, the New Girl tomato is definitely worth seeking out.
