Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl', Early Girl Tomato
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Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl'

Early Girl Tomato

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitupright indeterminate
Foliagedeciduous
Height4-6 feet
Width18-24 inches
Maturity0.17 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 10b
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
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (strong)
Container Friendly
Maintenancehigh

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' is a vigorous indeterminate tomato cultivar prized for its exceptionally early fruit production and reliable performance in diverse growing conditions. This annual plant develops a robust, continuously growing central stem that can reach 4-6 feet in height, displaying the characteristic vining habit that requires substantial support throughout the growing season. The compound pinnate leaves are deeply divided into 7-9 serrated leaflets that emit the distinctive, pungent tomato fragrance when touched, while the entire plant exhibits a slightly fuzzy texture typical of the nightshade family. Small, bright yellow flowers appear in pendant clusters along the stems, each five-petaled bloom measuring approximately half an inch across and developing into the plant's signature medium-sized, globe-shaped fruits. The resulting tomatoes mature from green to a vibrant red color, typically weighing 4-6 ounces each with smooth, firm skin and exceptionally flavorful flesh that balances sweetness with just the right amount of acidity, making this cultivar a favorite among both gardeners and culinary enthusiasts.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum originates from the western slopes of the Andes Mountains in South America, particularly the highland regions of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile, where wild ancestor species were first domesticated by indigenous peoples over 2,000 years ago. The species was introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century and subsequently spread throughout the world, though the 'Early Girl' cultivar represents modern American breeding efforts developed in the 20th century for improved early season performance.

Suggested Uses

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' excels in home vegetable gardens, raised bed systems, and large container growing situations where early harvest is desired. The flavorful, medium-sized tomatoes are perfect for fresh eating, slicing for sandwiches and burgers, incorporating into salads, and general cooking applications including sauces and preserving. This cultivar is particularly valuable for gardeners in northern climates or areas with shorter growing seasons due to its reliable early production and ability to set fruit in cooler conditions. The manageable size and dependable nature make it an excellent choice for beginning gardeners, while experienced growers appreciate its consistent performance and good disease resistance.

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' can be readily identified by its indeterminate growth pattern featuring a continuously elongating main stem that requires staking or caging for proper support. The compound leaves display the classic tomato configuration with 7-9 deeply serrated leaflets that release a strong, characteristic aroma when brushed, while the entire plant surface exhibits a slightly fuzzy texture. Small bright yellow five-petaled flowers appear in drooping clusters along the stems, followed by medium-sized round tomatoes that develop remarkably early in the season. Key distinguishing features include the plant's vigorous upright habit reaching 4-6 feet tall, the unmistakable tomato foliage fragrance, and most notably, its exceptional early fruit production occurring just 50-62 days after transplanting, significantly earlier than most other tomato varieties.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.17 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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SummerFall
Produces flowers continuously from early summer through fall until the first frost, with initial blooms appearing 6-8 weeks after transplanting and peak flowering occurring during the warmest months when temperatures consistently remain above 60°F.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green

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
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high, consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

50-62 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' requires consistent, deep watering providing 1-2 inches of moisture weekly, delivered directly to the soil around the base to prevent foliar diseases and ensure optimal fruit development. Start with a balanced fertilizer at planting time, then switch to a lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium formula once flowering begins to promote fruit production over excessive vegetative growth. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch such as straw or shredded leaves around plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Install sturdy 6-foot stakes or robust tomato cages at planting time, as these indeterminate plants require substantial support throughout their growing season. Monitor regularly for common pests like hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies, and watch for diseases such as early blight and bacterial spot, ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering to maintain plant health.

Pruning

Prune Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' by consistently removing suckers - the vigorous shoots that emerge from the junction between the main stem and lateral branches - throughout the growing season. Check plants weekly and pinch or cut suckers when they are small and tender for easiest removal and minimal plant stress. Remove the lowest leaves that touch the ground to prevent soil-borne diseases and improve air circulation around the plant base. As the growing season progresses, promptly remove any yellowing, diseased, or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and redirect energy toward fruit production. Late in the season, approximately 4-6 weeks before expected first frost, top the main growing point to focus the plant's energy on ripening existing fruits rather than producing new growth that won't have time to mature.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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summerfall

Maintenance Level

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Green parts of Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' including leaves, stems, and unripe green fruits contain solanine and other glycoalkaloids that are toxic to humans and pets if consumed in significant quantities. Symptoms of solanine poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, digestive upset, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms. Fully ripe red tomatoes are completely safe to consume and highly nutritious, containing beneficial compounds like lycopene and vitamin C. Keep pets and children from chewing on plant foliage and avoid consuming green tomato fruits in large amounts.

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

50–62 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
parsley
marigolds
nasturtiums
carrots
lettuce
peppers

Avoid Planting With

fennel
corn
brassicas
walnut trees