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pH: 6.0–6.8  ·  Rich, well-drained, warm; add calcium to prevent blossom-end rot

Balanced at planting; high K and P at fruiting; calcium important

Early Red Slicer is a determinate tomato cultivar prized for producing medium-sized, classic red slicing tomatoes earlier than many standard varieties. Gardeners grow it for fresh eating, salads, and sauce, appreciating both its early maturity and reliable flavor in shorter growing seasons.

Seeds germinate best at soil temperatures between 70–80°F, sprouting in 5–10 days. They prefer light to germinate, so sow seeds shallowly and leave them uncovered or under clear film. No pre-treatment is required.

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost, planting them 0.25 inches deep in seed trays. Once seedlings develop true leaves, thin or pot up into individual containers. Transplant into the garden after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F, spacing plants 24–36 inches apart in full sun.

Water deeply and consistently, aiming for 1–2 inches per week; irregular watering causes cracking and blossom-end rot. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks once flowering starts. Determinate varieties grow more compactly than indeterminates but still benefit from light staking or caging for support and air circulation. Watch for early blight (leaf yellowing from the base up) and remove affected leaves promptly; ensure good spacing and avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal issues.

Harvest tomatoes when fully red and slightly soft to the touch, typically 60–75 days after transplanting. Pick fruit in the morning for best flavor. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight; refrigeration dulls flavor, so reserve the fridge only for fully ripe fruit you cannot use immediately.