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Growing Great White Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

To cultivate the unique and flavorful Great White Tomato, follow these planting guidelines. Begin indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inch in moist, well-draining soil. Maintain a temperature around 70 F for optimal germination, which typically occurs within 7-10 days. Once your seedlings are 6-8 inches tall, and the threat of frost has passed, transplant them into your garden. Ensure a spacing of 24-36 inches between plants and 4-6 inches between rows. Great White Tomato plants exhibit an indeterminate growth habit, so provide sturdy support as they grow, ensuring the best yield. These tomatoes mature in 80-85 days, producing large, 2 lb fruits with a delightful sweet, melon flavor.

To ensure a bountiful harvest and healthy Great White Tomato plants, follow these maintenance tips and growing guidelines. Regularly inspect your plants for common pests such as tomato fruitworms, brown stink bugs, and aphids. Employ organic pest control methods to mitigate any infestations, ensuring the overall well-being of your tomato plants. Since Great White Tomato is indeterminate and can grow vigorously, providing adequate support with sturdy cages or stakes is crucial to prevent sprawling and enhance air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases. Companion planting can be beneficial for Great White Tomato. Consider planting basil nearby, as it can help improve the flavor of tomatoes and deter certain pests. Marigolds and nasturtiums are also good companions, acting as natural insect repellents. Additionally, rotating tomato crops annually can help prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases. Maintain consistent watering practices, aiming for soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Regularly prune the lower foliage to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Lastly, provide a layer of organic compost as a side-dressing during the growing season to nourish the plants and enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Harvesting Great White Tomatoes

Great White Tomato, an indeterminate variety, takes approximately 80-85 days to mature from transplant. Determining the optimal time for harvest involves closely monitoring the fruits. Harvest when the tomatoes have developed a creamy-white color and the flesh feels firm to soft, indicating ripeness. Gently twist or cut the tomatoes from the vines using clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Since indeterminate tomatoes continue producing throughout the season, you can selectively harvest ripe fruits while allowing others to mature. Regular harvesting encourages continuous fruiting and ensures peak flavor.

About Great White Tomato Garden Seeds

The Great White Tomato is a non-GMO heirloom variety that has been cultivated for its unique characteristics since the 19th century. While the exact origin is unclear, it is cherished for its large, low-acid, and deliciously sweet fruits. The variety has stood the test of time, appreciated by gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike for its distinctive white color, rich flavor, and adaptability.

Great White Tomato was not specifically bred for a particular trait but evolved naturally, emphasizing its heirloom status. This variety thrives in warm climates, demonstrating resilience against high temperatures and drought conditions. Its ability to resist cracking makes it suitable for regions with varying weather patterns. While not bred for a specific climate, its versatility allows successful cultivation in diverse growing conditions.

Beyond its unique color and flavor, Great White Tomato offers additional benefits. The large, meaty tomatoes are not only crack-resistant but also contain high levels of antioxidants, including lycopene. Known for its sweet, melon-like taste, this tomato variety is ideal for fresh slicing, sandwiches, salads, and sauces. Its adaptability to heat and drought makes it a reliable choice for gardeners facing challenging growing conditions. Enjoy the exceptional taste and visual appeal of Great White Tomatoes in various culinary creations.

Great White Tomato, with its indeterminate growth habit and potential for large fruits, may not be the most suitable choice for container gardens or hanging baskets. These plants typically require strong support structures, such as cages or stakes, to accommodate their sprawling growth. However, if you have ample space and the means to provide adequate support, growing Great White Tomato in containers is still possible, offering a unique and visually appealing addition to your garden.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Enhance the sweetness and melon-like flavor of Great White Tomatoes by incorporating a side-dressing of organic compost around the base of the plants during the growing season. This additional boost of nutrients promotes robust growth and enhances the overall taste of the tomatoes. Remember to maintain consistent watering practices, allowing the plants to absorb these nutrients effectively. The result will be a more vibrant and flavorful harvest of Great White Tomatoes for your culinary delights."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Great White Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 250 mg packet - Approximately 60 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 1,700 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 6,800 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 27,200 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 108,800 Seeds

Non-GMO Great White Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.