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Solanaceae
LYCOPERSICON esculentum 'John Baer'
John Baer Tomato, Tomato
Grown for its tasty, early-ripening tomatoes, this old-time favorite originated around 1914 as a seedling of 'Bonny Best'. The round, medium-sized, bright red fruits are borne on heavy-yielding, indeterminate vines. The fruits are good for fresh eating or canning. Harvest begins about 65 days after seedlings are planted out. This open-pollinated variety grows true to type from saved garden seed.
Tomatoes are short-lived tender perennials that are usually grown as annuals. Their medium- to dark-green, hairy, compound leaves have a strong fragrance and are not to be eaten. Mature plants produce distinctive yellow flowers, which are bee pollinated. These are followed by succulent tomato fruits, which are technically berries.
Tomatoes require full sun and fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Seeds germinate poorly in cool soil, so plants are best started indoors several weeks before the last frost date. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them to the garden. Set them deeply in the ground for best establishment; the main stem will form roots beneath the soil’s surface. Indeterminate, vining types such as 'John Baer' should be staked, trellised or grown in tomato cages to contain their rambling stems.
Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so it is important to provide them with regular water and nutrients. Be sure to choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes. Overwatering can result in cracking of fruit and diminished flavor. Best production and flavor occurs when both days and nights are warm. Tomato fruits become tough and less flavorful when subjected to cooler temperatures, and should not be stored in the refrigerator for this reason. In warm, frost-free regions they may be grown as a winter crop.
For more detailed information about tomato pests and diseases, refer to the general entry for the species (Lycopersicon esculentum) in the Learn2Grow.com plant database.
12 - 1
11 - 15
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Vegetable
Full Sun
4'-8' / 1.2m - 2.4m
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
Indeterminate
Mexico, Central America, South America
Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Vining/Climbing
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Yellow
Red
Green, Dark Green
Yes
Single
No
Medium
Matte
Semi-Evergreen
Container, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Vine
Butterflies
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