76 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycopersicum. German Johnson Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, warm season annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, heat tolerant, humidity tolerant, indeterminate, slicing tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, greenhouses. Resistant to Disorders. The pink-red fruits average 12-20 ounces when well grown and have that real old-fashioned tomato flavor. An excellent tomato for sandwiches, and is a good canning tomato as well. Fruits have few seeds, and crack less than most other larger heirloom tomatoes. Large indeterminate vine. ~12,398 seeds/oz. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Solanum lycoperscium (previously Lycopersicon esculentum) Hardiness Zone: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter Days to Maturity: 76 (from transplant) Days to Germination: 7-10 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: No Start Indoors: Yes. Start Indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Tomato Type: Slicing - Larger, round tomatoes, the size of your fist or larger. Plant Spacing: 18-36 inches Row Spacing: 36 inches Plant Height: 48-60 inches Plant Width: 24 inches Plant Spread: 24 inches Growth Habit: Indeterminate - Indeterminate tomatoes are vine-type plants that sprawl (requiring a cage or trellis to support them) and continue to grow throughout the season. Indeterminate tomato plants will continue to produce tomatoes for the rest of the season, so you can harvest continually. Growth Speed: Mid - Ready to harvest 70 to 80 days from transplant. Tricky to get a tomato by the 4th of July with these varieties. They are good mid-summer producers for most USDA Zones. Soil Preference: Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables. Temperature Preference: Warmer (70-85 F) Germination Temperature: 65-85 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Resistant to Disorders. Common pests known to harm tomato plants, in general, include the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies. Also, watch for common diseases such as blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Most of these can be prevented by maintaining a regular watering schedule and avoiding overwatering. Regularly check your plants for pest damage throughout the season. For treating pest and disease problems, we recommend using an organic neem-based product. German Johnson Tomato Color: Red, Pink German Johnson Tomato Flavor: Old-fashioned Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed Tomato Use: Salads, fresh eating, slicing, sandwiches Climate Tolerance: Heat, Humidity Growing German Johnson Slicer Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden Ensure a successful tomato harvest by initiating the indoor seeding process 7-9 weeks before your last anticipated frost. Plant tomato seeds in a seed-starting mix, maintaining consistent moisture and ample light. Once seedlings reach 2 inches in height with true leaves, transplant them into larger containers or directly into the garden. Gradually harden off tomato seedlings over 7-10 days to reduce transplant shock, exposing them to outdoor conditions. When transplanting into the garden, select a sunny, well-drained location, adhere to spacing recommendations, and optimize soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Implement continual maintenance practices, including consistent watering, balanced fertilization, and providing support for growing plants. Enhance root development by preparing soil with compost, adding calcium powder to prevent Blossom End Rot, and burying plants deep. Monitor for pests and diseases, using natural remedies or organic pesticides. Harvest ripe tomatoes for various culinary uses and promptly address signs of stress, nutrient deficiencies, or irregularities to ensure a plentiful harvest in any climate. Tomato staking and pruning are crucial practices for cultivating healthy and productive tomato plants. Staking provides essential support, preventing sprawling and ensuring proper air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases. Choose sturdy stakes and place them in the ground at planting, securing each tomato plant as it grows. Pruning is equally important to maintain plant vigor and encourage optimal fruit production. Remove lower branches, known as suckers, which divert energy from fruit-bearing branches. Regularly pinch off excess growth to enhance airflow and sunlight penetration to the lower canopy. This helps prevent common tomato issues such as fungal infections. Additionally, pruning directs the plant's energy towards developing larger, high-quality fruits. By incorporating these practices, gardeners can achieve robust, well-structured tomato plants that yield abundant, flavorful tomatoes throughout the growing season. Harvesting Beefsteak German Johnson Tomatoes Properly harvesting slicer tomatoes is essential to ensure peak flavor and quality. Wait until the tomatoes reach full maturity, displaying a rich color and firm texture. Using clean, sharp shears or a knife, cut the stem just above the fruit, leaving a small portion attached. Harvesting when the fruit is fully ripe guarantees the best taste and texture. Handle tomatoes with care to avoid bruising or damaging the skin. Harvest regularly as tomatoes ripen to encourage continuous production throughout the growing season. Store harvested slicer tomatoes at room temperature until fully ripe, then refrigerate to maintain freshness. By following these steps, you'll enjoy the full flavor and juiciness of perfectly harvested slicer tomatoes in various culinary delights, from sandwiches to salads and beyond. About Heirloom German Johnson Tomato Garden Seeds The German Johnson tomato is an heirloom variety known for its large, pink, beefsteak-type fruits with a rich and sweet flavor. This indeterminate tomato plant produces hefty, ribbed tomatoes that can weigh up to 1-2 pounds each. The tomatoes are typically round and have a mild yet robust taste, making them excellent for slicing and using in sandwiches, salads, and fresh culinary creations. Home gardeners often favor German Johnson tomatoes for their exceptional flavor, and their vines continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season. As with many heirloom varieties, German Johnson tomatoes may exhibit some fruit size and shape variability, contributing to their unique charm. Gardeners appreciate their old-fashioned appeal and the delicious, juicy tomatoes they yield. Create a delectable Caprese salad featuring German Johnson tomatoes by slicing these large, pink, beefsteak tomatoes into thick, juicy rounds. Arrange them alternately with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves on a platter. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the arrangement, sprinkling a pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper for enhanced flavor. Allow the salad to marinate briefly before serving, allowing the distinct sweetness and robust taste of German Johnson tomatoes to harmonize with the creamy mozzarella and aromatic basil. This simple yet elegant dish highlights the heirloom variety's exceptional flavor and makes for a delightful appetizer or side dish. Beefsteak tomatoes boast health benefits, providing a rich source of vitamins C and A, promoting immune function and vision. Packed with antioxidants, including lycopene, they contribute to heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Low in calories and high in fiber, beefsteak tomatoes support digestion and weight management. Stories From Our Gardeners "As an heirloom, German Johnson tomatoes carry a sense of tradition and history, appealing to those who appreciate preserving and cultivating time-tested varieties." - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Guide to Tomatoes German Johnson Tomato Seeds Per Package: 250 mg - Approximately110 Seeds 1/4 oz - Approximately 3,100 Seeds 1 oz - Approximately 12,400 Seeds 4 oz - Approximately 49,600 Seeds 1 lb - Approximately 198,400 Seeds Non-GMO German Johnson Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
