A hobby gardener will look in vain for a dedicated list of ripening times for tomatoes. Too many factors influence the maturation process. Thanks to the following overview, you won't approach growing tomatoes without any guidance.
How long does it take for tomatoes to ripen?
The ripening period of tomatoes varies depending on the variety and is divided into four seasons: very early season (52-54 days), early season (55-69 days), mid-season (70-84 days) and late season (85 days and longer). The ripening period begins from the date of planting outdoors, usually around May 20th.
Sensible variety division into four seasons
Regardless of the influence of weather and care on the ripening period, the different tomato varieties at least offer a point of reference. Differentiating the entire season into four sections has proven successful:
- Very early season: 52-54 days
- Preseason: 55-69 days
- Mid-season: 70-84 days
- Off season: 85 days and longer
The calculation here is generally based on the day of planting outdoors, which in Central Europe implies a date around May 20th. The course of the cultivation process is therefore not taken into account. If young plants are cultivated in a heated greenhouse, shorter maturation times apply.
Popular varieties for the very early harvest
Experience shows that you can enjoy these tomato varieties after just 52 to 54 days:
- Previa F1: round, red fruits up to 140 grams
- Cookie F1: delicious cherry tomato up to 20 grams
- Pepe F1: sweet and tiny up to 15 grams
- Sophie's decision: old variety with red fruits up to 250 grams
The very early varieties are the ideal candidates for growing tomatoes in harsh locations, as they mostly come from the cold regions of Russia or North America.
Classic tomatoes for the early season
If you prefer a harvest time from the end of July/beginning of August, the following proven varieties are on the shortlist:
- Agro F1: an Italian bottle tomato with red fruits weighing 90 grams
- Aurora: robust bush tomato that produces flawless red tomatoes up to 70 grams
- Fleurette F1: an ox heart with tender pulp up to 180 grams
- Grappelina F1: the vine tomato with a wonderful aroma up to 140 grams
Tomatoes for a fruity mid-season
Your maturation period moves along the 'golden mean' and thus reduces cultural risks in every direction:
- Purple 1884 beefsteak tomato: a historic variety with a purple-black skin
- Alicante: English beefsteak tomato, aromatic, high yields up to 180 grams
- Phantasia F1: robust stick tomato, resistant and with compact growth
Particularly aromatic thanks to very late ripening
The following tomato varieties require a lot of patience because they take more than 85 days to ripen. They make up for this with inimitable enjoyment:
- Indian summer: red beefsteak tomatoes up to 200 grams
- Dorothy’s Green: rare green variety with flat-round fruits weighing up to 200 grams
- Striped Germans: heavily ribbed, yellow-red striped, mildly aromatic up to 200 grams
Tips & Tricks
If the ripening period has long since passed and the tomatoes are not ready to be harvested, experienced hobby gardeners can help a little. Hang some fully ripe apples or bananas in the plants. The escaping ethylene noticeably accelerates the ripening process.
