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20 Tomato Varieties To Start Indoors For An Early Summer Harvest (Plus Some Exciting New Picks)

20 Tomato Varieties To Start Indoors For An Early Summer Harvest (Plus Some Exciting New Picks)

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Welcome, fellow tomato enthusiasts, to an exciting journey through the world of tomatoes! Get ready to explore 30 vibrant and delicious tomato varieties that promise an early summer harvest.

Each variety, with its unique charm, is sure to add color and flavor to your garden and plate. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace your inner gardener, and let’s embark on this tomato-filled adventure together!

1. Brandywine

Picture slicing into a juicy, vibrant red fruit—the Brandywine tomato. Known for its rich flavor and large, beefsteak size, the Brandywine is a gardener’s classic.

To make the most of your Brandywine, start these seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. With a little love and sunlight, they’ll reward you with a bountiful harvest come early summer.

2. Sun Gold

Imagine popping a tiny, sweet burst of sunshine into your mouth—that’s the magic of Sun Gold tomatoes. These golden-orange gems are renowned for their sugary sweetness and vibrant color.

Starting Sun Gold seeds indoors ensures an early taste of summer. These plants thrive in small pots, perfect for indoor gardening before the warm weather hits.

3. Black Krim

Imagine the mysterious allure of a tomato that looks like it’s been kissed by the night sky—that’s the Black Krim. This unique variety boasts a rich, smoky flavor, making it a favorite in gourmet circles.

Start your Black Krim seeds indoors, and watch the magic unfold as they grow robust and strong. Enjoy their dramatic color change as they ripen, transforming into a stunning, dark-hued beauty.

4. Cherokee Purple

Envision a tomato with a history as rich as its flavor—the Cherokee Purple. This heirloom variety boasts a dusky purple skin and a sweet, complex taste.

To jumpstart your Cherokee Purple journey, sow seeds indoors several weeks before the final frost. As they grow, these plants will develop into robust, leafy giants.

5. Green Zebra

Visualize the zingy taste of a tomato wearing a designer suit—that’s the Green Zebra. This variety is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the palate, with its striking green and yellow stripes.

Start Green Zebra seeds indoors to add a splash of color to your tomato lineup. These playful plants love a sunny spot and regular care.

6. San Marzano

Think of a tomato that’s the cream of the crop in Italian cooking—that’s the San Marzano. Known for its thick flesh and rich, sweet flavor, it’s a must-have for any kitchen garden.

Start these seeds indoors, and they’ll be ready to grace your pasta sauces come summer. San Marzanos are happiest with consistent watering and plenty of sunshine, so give them a sunny spot and watch them thrive with Italian gusto.

7. Roma

Picture a tomato that’s the workhorse of the kitchen—the Roma. This variety is prized for its firm flesh and less watery consistency, making it perfect for sauces and canning.

Sow Roma seeds indoors to ensure a steady supply of these culinary staples. With proper care, including regular watering and pinching off excess shoots, these plants will yield a generous harvest ready to be transformed into delicious sauces.

8. Yellow Pear

Envision a whimsical tomato that looks like mini sunshine drops—the Yellow Pear. These delightful, small, pear-shaped tomatoes bring a burst of color and sweetness to any dish.

Start them indoors to enjoy their radiant charm early in the season. Yellow Pears thrive with plenty of light and a bit of tender love. Provide a trellis for support, and enjoy their bright, cheerful presence in your garden or patio.

9. Celebrity

Imagine growing a tomato that’s a star performer in your garden—the Celebrity. Known for its disease resistance and high yields, this all-rounder produces medium-sized, juicy tomatoes perfect for slicing.

Start Celebrity seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season. They love a sunny window and good air circulation.

10. Beefsteak

Think of a tomato that’s the heavyweight champion of the garden—the Beefsteak. These giants are celebrated for their massive size and rich, meaty texture, ideal for hearty sandwiches and fresh eating.

Start your Beefsteak seeds indoors to prepare for a bountiful harvest. These plants need sturdy support as they grow, so plan for strong stakes or cages.

11. Early Girl

Envision a tomato that promises an early taste of summer—the Early Girl. This variety is celebrated for its quick ripening and flavorful, medium-sized fruits.

Start Early Girl seeds indoors to jumpstart your tomato season. These plants thrive with consistent watering and a warm, sunny spot.

12. Cherry Bomb

Imagine a burst of flavor that explodes in your mouth—that’s the Cherry Bomb. These vibrant, red cherry tomatoes are perfect for snacking and add a pop of color to salads and dishes.

Start them indoors to enjoy their juicy goodness early in the season. Cherry Bombs are prolific producers, thriving with plenty of sunlight and airflow.

13. Sweet Million

Picture a cascade of tiny, sweet tomatoes that never seem to end—that’s the Sweet Million. These plants live up to their name, offering an abundant harvest of bite-sized, sugary delights.

Start Sweet Million seeds indoors to get a jump on this prolific variety. They love a sunny position and regular watering.

14. Mortgage Lifter

Ever heard of a tomato that can pay off your mortgage? Meet the Mortgage Lifter, a legendary variety known for its massive fruit and juicy, mild flavor.

Start these seeds indoors for a taste of gardening history. They require strong support as they grow, due to their hefty size.

15. Amish Paste

Imagine a tomato that’s the darling of traditional recipes—the Amish Paste. Known for its thick flesh and sweet taste, it’s a favorite for sauces and pastes.

Start your Amish Paste seeds indoors to enjoy their robust growth early. These plants appreciate consistent care and a sunny location to thrive.

16. Big Boy

Think of a tomato that’s a consistent winner in size and flavor—the Big Boy. This popular variety is celebrated for its large, juicy fruits and reliable production.

Start Big Boy seeds indoors to kick off a season of abundance. These plants thrive in warm, sunny spots with regular watering.

17. Green Giant

Picture a tomato that turns the world of red tomatoes green—the Green Giant. This unique variety offers large, flavorful fruits with a striking green color.

Start Green Giant seeds indoors for a distinctive addition to your tomato garden. These plants love ample sunlight and consistent watering.

18. Pink Berkeley Tie Dye

Imagine a tomato that’s a work of art—the Pink Berkeley Tie Dye. This variety offers stunning, multicolored fruits with a sweet, complex flavor.

Start your seeds indoors to enjoy their vibrant growth early. These plants thrive in well-lit areas and require regular feeding.

19. Indigo Rose

Visualize a tomato with a color so deep it’s almost otherworldly—that’s the Indigo Rose. This striking variety is known for its antioxidant-rich fruit and unique, dark hue.

Start Indigo Rose seeds indoors to get a head start on this remarkable tomato. They enjoy sunny windows and consistent watering to thrive.

20. Jubilee

Imagine a tomato that brings sunshine to your plate—the Jubilee. Known for its bright orange color and mild, sweet flavor, this variety is a joy to grow.

Start Jubilee seeds indoors to enjoy their cheerful presence in your garden early. They thrive with regular watering and a sunny spot.

21. Rutgers

Think of a tomato that’s a staple in home and commercial gardens alike—the Rutgers. This reliable variety offers medium-sized, flavorful fruits perfect for slicing and canning.

Start Rutgers seeds indoors to get an early start on this dependable crop. They thrive in sunny spots with consistent care.

22. Better Boy

Envision a tomato that’s a crowd favorite for its taste and texture—the Better Boy. This variety produces large, juicy fruits with excellent flavor, ideal for fresh eating.

Start Better Boy seeds indoors to enjoy a head start on this popular variety. They thrive in sunny, warm locations and require regular watering.

23. Homestead

Think about a tomato that’s perfectly suited for warm climates—the Homestead. Known for its ability to thrive in heat, it offers medium-sized fruits with a robust flavor.

Start Homestead seeds indoors to prepare for a successful growing season. They appreciate consistent watering and a sunny location.

24. Grape

Picture a tomato that’s bite-sized and bursting with flavor—the Grape. These small, oval tomatoes are perfect for snacking and add a sweet touch to dishes.

Start Grape seeds indoors to enjoy their abundant growth early. They thrive with plenty of sunlight and regular watering.

25. Juliet

Imagine a tomato that’s the belle of the garden ball—the Juliet. Known for its elongated shape and delightful sweetness, it’s a favorite for gardeners and chefs alike.

Start Juliet seeds indoors to set the stage for a prolific harvest. These plants appreciate regular watering and a sunny spot to flourish.

26. Porter

Think of a tomato that’s resilient and reliable in hot climates—the Porter. This variety offers small, flavorful fruits that thrive under challenging conditions.

Start Porter seeds indoors to give them a strong start before summer’s heat. They thrive with consistent care and a sunny location.

27. Pineapple

Envision a tomato that brings a tropical twist to your garden—that’s the Pineapple. Known for its striking appearance and sweet, fruity flavor, it’s a delightful addition to any garden.

Start Pineapple seeds indoors to enjoy their vibrant growth early. These plants love a sunny spot and consistent watering.

28. Costoluto Genovese

Imagine a tomato that’s a culinary gem in Italian cuisine—the Costoluto Genovese. This ribbed variety is prized for its intense flavor and thick flesh, perfect for sauces.

Start Costoluto Genovese seeds indoors to jumpstart a season of delicious Italian dishes. They thrive with regular care and a sunny location.

29. Supersweet 100

Picture a tomato that lives up to its name with every bite—the Supersweet 100. These cherry tomatoes are known for their incredible sweetness and prolific production.

Start Supersweet 100 seeds indoors to enjoy an early bounty of these sweet delights. They thrive in sunny spots with regular watering.