What hardiness zones is Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' suitable for?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b.

How much water does Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' need?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' has moderate to high water needs.

Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl'

Early Girl Tomato

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitupright

Foliagedeciduous

Height4-6 feet

Width2-3 feet

Maturity0.17 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3a - 11b

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

Fragrant (light)

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' is a popular determinate tomato cultivar prized for its early fruit production and reliable performance in diverse growing conditions. This compact annual typically reaches 4-6 feet in height with a sturdy, upright growth habit and well-branched structure. The compound leaves are composed of 7-9 serrated leaflets that are medium green in color and covered with fine, soft hairs that release the characteristic tomato fragrance when brushed or crushed. Small, bright yellow flowers appear in pendant clusters along the stems, each displaying five pointed petals surrounding prominent yellow stamens that facilitate both self-pollination and insect pollination. The fruit develops as classic round to slightly flattened tomatoes, typically weighing 4-6 ounces each when mature. The smooth, glossy skin ripens to a vibrant red color, encasing firm yet juicy flesh with a well-balanced sweet-tart flavor that makes them excellent for fresh eating and cooking applications. Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' is particularly distinguished from other tomato varieties by its determinate growth pattern, which means the plant reaches a predetermined size and produces most of its fruit within a concentrated timeframe, typically setting and ripening tomatoes 50-60 days from transplant, making it invaluable for gardeners in shorter growing seasons.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum is native to western South America, particularly the Andean regions of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile, where wild ancestors still grow in mountainous areas at elevations between 3,000-7,000 feet. The species was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in Central America and Mexico before Spanish conquistadors introduced it to Europe in the 16th century. The 'Early Girl' cultivar is a modern hybrid developed through selective breeding programs in the United States during the mid-20th century.

Suggested Uses

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' works exceptionally well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers on patios or decks where space is limited. The compact, determinate growth habit makes it ideal for small garden spaces and intensive planting schemes. These tomatoes are perfect for fresh eating, slicing for sandwiches and salads, and general cooking applications including sauces, soups, and canning. The early maturity makes it particularly valuable for northern gardens with shorter growing seasons, areas prone to late spring or early fall frosts, and gardeners who want to enjoy homegrown tomatoes before main-season varieties ripen. Excellent choice for succession planting to extend harvest period and for greenhouse or high tunnel production in challenging climates.

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' can be identified by its distinctive compound leaves with 7-9 irregularly serrated leaflets arranged alternately along hairy green stems, and the unmistakable tomato scent released when foliage is crushed or brushed. The small yellow flowers appear in drooping clusters of 3-12 blooms, each with five pointed petals and bright yellow anthers forming a prominent cone in the center. The determinate growth habit creates a bushy, self-supporting plant that stops growing at a predetermined height rather than continuing to vine indefinitely. Key identifying features include the medium-sized, round red fruit that ripens earlier than most varieties, the sturdy but compact vine structure, and the concentrated fruit set that occurs over a 2-3 week period once flowering begins.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 0.17 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

SummerFall

early summer through early fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium 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

Soil Types

loam

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

50-60 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' requires full sun exposure and well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Plant in soil with a pH between 6.0-6.8 for optimal nutrient uptake and disease resistance. Water consistently and deeply, providing 1-2 inches per week through drip irrigation or soaker hoses, avoiding overhead watering which can promote fungal diseases. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Feed with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time, then switch to a lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once flowering begins to encourage fruit development rather than excessive foliage growth. Install stakes or tomato cages at planting time to support the plant as it grows and bears fruit. Monitor regularly for common pests including tomato hornworms, aphids, whiteflies, and cutworms, and watch for diseases such as early blight, late blight, and blossom end rot, which can be prevented through proper watering and calcium availability.

Pruning

Prune Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' by removing suckers that develop in the crotch between the main stem and side branches, which helps improve air circulation and directs the plant's energy toward fruit production rather than excessive foliage growth. Use clean fingers or pruning shears to pinch or cut suckers when they are small and tender, ideally 2-4 inches long. Remove the lowest set of leaves that touch the ground to prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto the plant during watering or rain. Since this is a determinate variety, avoid heavy pruning of the main growing tips or terminal clusters, as this will significantly reduce the overall yield. Throughout the growing season, promptly remove any yellowing, diseased, or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and prevent the spread of pathogens. Late in the season, remove lower leaves as fruit clusters develop to improve air circulation around ripening tomatoes.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

The ripe red fruit of Solanum lycopersicum 'Early Girl' is completely safe and nutritious for human consumption. However, all other parts of the plant including leaves, stems, flowers, and green unripe fruit contain solanine, tomatine, and other toxic glycoalkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms if consumed by humans or pets. Keep children and animals away from the foliage and green parts of the plant. Even green tomatoes should be properly prepared before eating, as they contain higher levels of these compounds than fully ripe fruit.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended

Days to Maturity

50–60 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil

oregano

parsley

marigolds

peppers

carrots

nasturtiums

chives

Avoid Planting With

fennel

brassicas

walnut trees

corn

dill

kohlrabi