Solanum lycopersicum 'Bush Early Girl'
Bush Early Girl Tomato
F1 hybrid cultivar — the determinate (bush) version of the indeterminate 'Early Girl'; the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America
Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Bush Early Girl' is Bush Early Girl tomato, the determinate (bush) version of the indeterminate 'Early Girl,' growing 48-60 inches (120-150 cm) tall and 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) wide. Round red slicing tomatoes 6-8 ounces (170-225 g) starting 50-60 days from transplant — one of the earliest-maturing slicing tomatoes. Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers in clusters. Dark green pinnately compound foliage. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). F1 hybrid — seed does not produce true to type. Determinate: reaches a set height, sets fruit over 2-4 weeks, then production tapers. More compact than the original indeterminate Early Girl — does not require tall (6-8 foot) staking, though a cage or short stake is needed. VFF resistant: Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae) and Fusarium wilt races 1-2 (Fusarium oxysporum). The concentrated 2-4 week fruit set is a limitation for gardeners who want fruit over a longer period — succession-plant or grow alongside an indeterminate type. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. All green parts contain solanine — toxic to pets and humans in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
F1 hybrid cultivar — the determinate version of 'Early Girl.' The species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America (Peru, Ecuador).Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). The earliest-maturing slicing tomato (50-60 days). Determinate bush — compact. VFF resistant. F1 hybrid. Green parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 5'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer to fall (June-September). Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers. Self-pollinating. Fruit starting 50-60 days from transplant. Determinate: concentrated fruit set over 2-4 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 5-petaled, in clustersFoliage Description
Dark green, pinnately compound with toothed leafletsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 6 weeks early. Determinate — cage or short stake. Do not remove terminal tip. VFF resistant. Consistent watering. F1 hybrid. Green parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove suckers below the first flower cluster. Do not remove the terminal growing tip (determinate). Remove lower leaves touching soil. Harvest when uniformly deep red.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Not recommended — transplant only
Days to Maturity
50–60 days
Plant Spacing
24 inches