Solanum lycopersicum 'Celebrity', Celebrity Tomato
Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Celebrity'

Celebrity Tomato

UnknownSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitcompact, bushy
Foliagedeciduous
Height3-4 feet
Width18-24 inches

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2a - 11b
Zone 2a
Zone 2b
Zone 3a
Zone 3b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
Zone 11a
Zone 11b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Celebrity' is a determinate hybrid tomato cultivar renowned for its reliable performance and disease resistance. This compact, bushy plant typically reaches 3-4 feet in height with sturdy stems and compound leaves composed of serrated leaflets. The variety produces medium-sized, round to slightly flattened fruits weighing 6-8 ounces each, with smooth, red skin and firm, meaty flesh. Solanum lycopersicum 'Celebrity' is distinguished by its excellent crack resistance and uniform fruit size, making it particularly valuable for home gardeners and market growers. The plant bears clusters of small, yellow, five-petaled flowers that develop into the characteristic red tomatoes, with fruits ripening uniformly across the plant due to its determinate growth habit.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum is native to western South America, specifically the Andes mountains of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile. While the species originates from these highland regions, 'Celebrity' is a modern hybrid cultivar developed through selective breeding programs.

Suggested Uses

vegetable gardens, raised beds, large containers, greenhouse production, market growing

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Celebrity' can be identified by its compact, determinate growth habit reaching 3-4 feet tall, compound leaves with serrated leaflets, and clusters of small yellow flowers. The distinctive medium-sized, round red fruits weigh 6-8 ounces and exhibit excellent crack resistance. Unlike indeterminate varieties, this cultivar stops growing at a predetermined height and produces most of its fruit within a concentrated period, making it easily distinguishable from vining tomato types.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
summer through early fall, typically 60-70 days after transplanting

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium green with serrated compound leaflets

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

70-75 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Celebrity' requires consistent care for optimal production. Provide deep, regular watering to maintain even soil moisture, avoiding both drought stress and waterlogged conditions. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, followed by regular feeding with a tomato-specific fertilizer throughout the growing season. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Despite its compact nature, provide sturdy support with cages or stakes as the plant becomes heavy with fruit. Monitor for common tomato pests like hornworms and diseases such as blight, though this variety shows good resistance to many common tomato ailments.

Pruning

Solanum lycopersicum 'Celebrity' requires minimal pruning due to its determinate nature. Remove suckers that develop between the main stem and branches when they are small to direct energy into fruit production. Prune lower leaves that touch the ground to prevent soil-borne diseases. Remove any diseased or damaged foliage promptly. Avoid heavy pruning of the main stems, as this determinate variety has a predetermined growth pattern and excessive pruning can reduce yield significantly.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

The ripe fruits of Solanum lycopersicum 'Celebrity' are safe for human consumption and are commonly eaten fresh or cooked. However, the green parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and unripe fruits, contain solanine and other alkaloids that are toxic to humans and pets if consumed in significant quantities. Keep pets and children away from the foliage and green tomatoes.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended for direct sowing

Days to Maturity

70–75 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
marigolds
peppers
carrots
lettuce
spinach
parsley

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
walnut trees
corn
kohlrabi