Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Growing Quarter Century Slicer Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Seven to nine weeks before the last spring frost, begin your tomato seeds indoors in seed starting trays. Use a well-draining potting or germinating mix to start the seeds, we recommend using Minute Soil Coco Coir. Plant two or three seeds per cell about a quarter inch deep and cover the seeds. Water them in gently to avoid washing the seeds away. Water regularly. As soon as one of the seedlings emerges, move the tray to a bright window or provide grow lights positioned a few inches above the tray. The seedlings should receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight combined with 8-10 hours of darkness. When they are 1-2 inches tall, thin the seedlings to one per cell. Fertilize once they have two sets of true leaves. Transplant the seedlings into larger, 4 or 6-inch pots once their root systems have developed beyond the starting cell’s capacity, but a few weeks before they can be moved outdoors. Before planting them into your garden soil, the seedlings should be hardened off gradually to acclimate to the sunnier, windier conditions.

Transplant the seedlings into the garden once temperatures are consistently above 70 F. Protect the plants from cool weather; they are not cold-tolerant. Garden quilts, cloches, cold frames, or other protections can be used if cool weather is expected below 50-55 F. All tomato varieties need warmer conditions and rich soil in order to thrive and develop fruit. Quarter Century tomatoes prefer loamy, well-drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH and added compost.Burying a calcium supplement in the soil beneath the seedlings can help encourage healthy growth. Bury most of the stems to encourage more root development. Leave at least one good set of leaves at the top. Remove the lower leaves that can’t reach the sunlight or might be buried, and any suckers growing in between fruit-bearing branches. Burying tomatoes deep allows roots to develop from the stems. This is something that tomatoes are able to do, but not many other plants. Fertilize with compost, worm castings, or another fertilizer of choice when planting into the garden.

Prune the bush periodically throughout the season to remove suckers and bottom leaves. Tomatoes are highly sensitive to insufficient light and will not fruit if the light is too weak or short. Fertilize once more about mid-season. Be sure to water Quarter Century’s in the morning and focus the water at the base of the plant instead of an overhead spray. Water regularly to ensure proper nutrient uptake and avoidance of disease. Avoid soggy soil and splashing water onto the leaves.

Harvesting Quarter Century Slicer Tomatoes

Quarter Century produces for just a few weeks, but have a very heavy yield. Pick the tomatoes as soon as they ripen to avoid overloading the plant. They are best harvested off the vine when fully red and shiny but still firm. Gently twist the tomato off the calyx or snip it loose if it won’t come on its own. If the harvest buts up against a frost, pull up the plant and finish ripening the tomatoes off the vine indoors.

About Quarter Century Slicer Tomato Garden Seeds

This plant produces oblate-shaped, gorgeous red fruits, weighing in anywhere from 10-12 ounces each! This delicious tomato is equally suited for salads, sandwiches, canning, and more.

Introduced by the W. Atlee Burpee and Company in 1901, it was developed and named for their 25th year in business. It is a smooth and crackless tomato with a solid texture and well-balanced flavor.

Quarter century is an heirloom slicing tomato plant.

Plant near asparagus, peppers, onions, cucumbers, basil, and marigold flowers for mutual benefits. Tomato fruits are best stored at 50-60 F if possible and will keep longer if they are not touching each other.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Make sure your tomatoes get full sun! One year, I had a new garden plot and did not realize that one corner was far more shaded than I realized. I did everything else right, but the poor tomato plant only received about 4 hours of direct sun per day. Despite pruning, composting, and fertilizing, I did not get a single tomato that year!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Quarter Century Slicer Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg Packet - Approximately 65 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,700 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 6,800 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 27,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 108,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Quarter Century Slicer Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.