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Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl'
Early Girl Tomato
Garden hybrid; the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America (Peru, Ecuador)Overview
Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' is Early Girl tomato, an indeterminate hybrid growing 48-72 inches (120-180 cm / 4-6 feet) tall on stakes or cages. One of the earliest-maturing tomato cultivars at 50-62 days from transplant. Round red fruit 4-5 ounces (110-140 g). Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers in clusters along the stem. Medium to dark green pinnately compound aromatic foliage. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Indeterminate growth: the vine continues growing and producing fruit until frost — requires staking or caging. A VFN hybrid: resistant to Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae), Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). Introduced by Joseph Harris Seed Company in 1975. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost — transplant after all frost danger. All green parts (leaves, stems, unripe fruit) contain solanine and tomatine — toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if consumed in quantity. Ripe fruit is non-toxic. Consistent watering reduces blossom end rot (calcium transport disorder). Full sun (6+ hours). Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Garden hybrid. The species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America (Peru, Ecuador). Domesticated in Mexico.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). One of the earliest cultivars (50-62 days). VFN disease resistant. Stake or cage. Green parts toxic to pets. Tender annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer to fall (June-October). Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers continuously on indeterminate vines. Self-pollinating (wind-shaken). Fruit follows each flower cluster.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Bright yellow, 5-petaled, 0.5-0.75 inch (12-18 mm), in small clusters along the stemFoliage Description
Medium to dark green, pinnately compound with toothed leaflets, aromaticGrowing 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). Rich moist well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Stake or cage (indeterminate). Remove suckers weekly. Consistent watering (blossom end rot prevention). VFN resistant. Green parts toxic. Tender annual.Pruning
Remove suckers (side shoots from leaf axils) weekly. Remove lower leaves below the first fruit truss for air circulation. Top the main stem 4-6 weeks before first expected frost. Stake or cage required for indeterminate growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Maintenance Level
highContainer 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
50–62 days
Plant Spacing
24 inches