What are the sun requirements for Solanum lycopersicum 'Iron Lady'?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Iron Lady' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Solanum lycopersicum 'Iron Lady' need?

Solanum lycopersicum 'Iron Lady' has Medium water needs.

Solanum lycopersicum 'Iron Lady'

Iron Lady Tomato

F1 hybrid cultivar bred by Cornell University for late blight resistance; the species S. lycopersicum is native to western South America

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height36-48 inches (90-120 cm)

Width24-36 inches (60-90 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Iron Lady' is Iron Lady tomato, a determinate (bush type) annual growing 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) tall and 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) wide. Round red slicing tomatoes 6-8 ounces (170-225 g). Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers in clusters. Bright green pinnately compound foliage. In the nightshade family (Solanaceae). F1 hybrid bred by Cornell University specifically for late blight (Phytophthora infestans) resistance — the most damaging tomato disease in humid climates. Also resistant to early blight (Alternaria solani), Septoria leaf spot (Septoria lycopersici), Verticillium wilt, and Fusarium wilt. Determinate: reaches a set height, sets fruit over 3-4 weeks, then production tapers. The disease resistance package is the cultivar's key trait — particularly valuable in humid eastern US climates where late blight is endemic. The concentrated 3-4 week fruit set is a limitation for gardeners who want fruit over a longer period. 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 bred by Cornell University for late blight resistance. 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). Late blight resistant — for humid eastern US climates. Determinate. F1 hybrid. Green parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by round red slicing fruit 6-8 ounces (170-225 g) on a compact determinate bush. Distinguished by the combined late blight + early blight + Septoria + VF disease resistance — the widest blight resistance among commonly available tomatoes. F1 hybrid. Determinate. In Solanaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Summer Fall

Summer to fall (June-September). Bright yellow 5-petaled flowers in clusters. Self-pollinating. Fruit 75-85 days from transplant. Determinate: concentrated fruit set over 3-4 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow, 5-petaled, in clusters

Foliage Description

Bright green, pinnately compound with toothed leaflets

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

75-85 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-6.8. Start indoors 6 weeks early. Determinate — cage or stake. Do not remove terminal tip. Late blight + early blight + Septoria + VF 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

summer