Growing tomatoes is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. But waiting for that first ripe tomato can test even the most patient gardener. Luckily, early-ripening tomato varieties offer a quick payoff, providing fresh, juicy harvests in as little as 50 days.
Whether you’re looking to outpace pests or enjoy garden-fresh tomatoes before summer’s peak, these 5 varieties will have you savoring the fruits of your labor sooner rather than later. Read on to discover each variety, why it stands out for early ripening, and the best ways to grow them successfully.
How We Chose These Tomatoes
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There are a lot of articles out there with unconfirmed claims of tomatoes that ripen early. These are the only 5 tomato plants for which we could find verifiable sources to support the claim. Of course, there are likely other probable options that will require looking at seed packet info or asking your local nursery.
1. Early Girl
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The name says it all. A true classic, Early Girl is one of the most popular early-producing varieties. It ripens in just 50 days, offering medium-sized, round fruits bursting with classic tomato flavor. Its long production window keeps the harvests coming.
Growing Tips: Provide Early Girl with plenty of sunlight, fertile soil, and consistent watering. Use stakes or a cage to support the indeterminate vines.
2. Sungold
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One of the most beloved cherry tomatoes, Sungold ripens in just 57-60 days. Its signature golden-orange fruits are exceptionally sweet, making it a favorite for fresh eating and salads. It’s also highly disease-resistant, ensuring dependable yields.
Growing Tips: Provide plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Use tall stakes or a trellis to support the sprawling vines, and enjoy the fruit even before it fully ripens for a burst of sweetness.
3. Sub Arctic Plenty
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Developed for cold climates, Sub Arctic Plenty matures in a remarkably short 42-50 days. Small, red, and juicy, this variety thrives even in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for northern gardeners.
Growing Tips: This determinate tomato doesn’t require staking and fits well into small spaces or containers. Plant in full sun and water regularly, especially during dry spells.
4. Super Sweet 100
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Super Sweet 100 lives up to its name with its intensely sweet cherry tomatoes, perfect for snacking right off the vine. This variety ripens in just 65 days, and its indeterminate vines produce all season long, delivering abundant harvests.
Growing Tips: Plant Super Sweet 100 in full sun and fertile, slightly acidic soil. Use a sturdy trellis or cage to support the vigorous growth and heavy fruit production.
5. Stupice
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Stupice is a cold-tolerant heirloom tomato originating from the Czech Republic. It ripens in just 55 days and produces a steady supply of small, flavorful tomatoes all season long.
Growing Tips: This indeterminate variety needs good air circulation, so space plants at least 24 inches apart. Use supports like stakes or cages for optimal growth.
Probable Early-Ripening Varieties
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While not all backed by rigorously documented data, these varieties frequently appear in gardening blogs and community posts as early producers:
- Black Cherry – Heirloom cherry tomato, often mentioned in early-harvest discussions.
- Bloody Butcher
- Bush Early Girl
- Heatmaster
- Fourth of July
- Early Wonder
- Early Pick
- Celebrity
- Pozzano
- Orange Roma
- Glacier
These are widely shared among gardening enthusiasts for their fast harvests, though without verified day-to-harvest figures.
How to Choose the Right Variety for Your Garden
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When selecting tomato varieties for your garden, consider factors such as climate, available space, and desired taste. If you live in a cooler area, choose a variety that is suited to colder temperatures such as the Glacier tomato.
If you have limited space or are growing in containers, look for compact or dwarf varieties that require less room to grow. And if you have a particular preference for flavor or use of tomatoes, research different varieties to find the perfect fit for your needs.
And of course, if you want to enjoy your tomatoes sooner than later, don’t forget to add a few of the varieties above to your garden beds!
Tips for Successful Tomato Growing
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Tomatoes will only ripen if you give them the right care. Let’s look at your favorite tomato growing tips.
- Choose healthy seedlings from reputable sources.
- Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Ensure proper spacing between plants for air circulation and growth.
- Provide adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients for optimal growth.
- Use supports or cages to keep plants upright as they grow larger.
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly, and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat them.
- Prune off suckers (small shoots that form in between the main stem and branches) to encourage stronger growth of the main plant.
- Mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
- Harvest tomatoes when they are ripe but still firm, taking care not to damage the plant or fruit.
- Rotate tomato crops every year to prevent nutrient depletion in the soil.
Tasty Tomatoes Without the Wait
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These 5 early-ripening tomato varieties prove that you don’t have to wait long to enjoy homegrown tomatoes. Whether you’re growing in a container garden, raised beds, or a traditional plot, these tomatoes can help you maximize your harvests early in the season. With proper care and attention, you’ll be savoring vine-ripened tomatoes in no time.
Choose a mix of these varieties to enjoy a bountiful and delicious harvest from the start of summer!
