The type of tomato planted determines the start of the harvest season. Depending on the ripening time, this can be as early as June/July or as late as August/September. Find out here how to recognize tomatoes that are ready to harvest.
When is the harvest time for tomatoes?
The harvest time for tomatoes depends on the variety and the weather and can be between June and September. Tomatoes that are ripe for harvest are completely colored, without any green spots, give way when lightly pressed with your finger and have a predetermined breaking point on the stem.
The nicer the summer – the earlier the harvest
A warm, dry summer makes tomato gardeners' hearts beat faster. The botanical ripeness clock ticks a little faster, so that the anticipation of the first crunchy, fresh enjoyment increases. Conversely, this means that if the weather is cool and rainy, the start of the harvest season will be delayed. How to recognize ripe tomatoes at first glance:
- the fruits are completely colored
- there are no green spots on the shell
- the tomato gives a little when pressed lightly with your finger
- the predetermined breaking point on the stem quickly buckles
For the tomatoes on a single plant, the harvest time does not start at the same time. Rather, it is usually the fruits in the immediate vicinity of the trunk that are the first to signal their ripeness. Be sure to look under the leaves here so you don't miss any of the magnificent specimens. As a rule of thumb, the harvest season begins earlier in the greenhouse than in the open field.
How to influence an early start to the harvest season
Although the weather and tomato variety largely determine the course of the harvest season, hobby gardeners still have a certain influence. The following care factors have a positive effect on the ripening time:
- a sunny, warm location
- airy growth through targeted attachment to a climbing aid
- regular, constant watering without fluctuations
- a balanced nutrient supply
- Consistent pruning of unnecessary side shoots
The focus is on a location protected from the rain so that the disease brown rot does not destroy any hope of a rich harvest. Ideally, you should grow tomatoes in a greenhouse or at least under a rain cover.
Tips & Tricks
If the tomatoes simply don't want to ripen in the bed or greenhouse, spread a dark red film under the plants. Scientists found that the light waves are absorbed by the unripe tomatoes. Thinking that all the other fruits are already deep red, they are trying hard to catch up.
