German Johnson Tomato Seed

German JohnsonTomato Seed

Large pink-red beefsteaks offer sweet low-acid flavor
Southeastern heirloom ripens in roughly seventy-five-to-eighty days
Indeterminate vines produce heavily across the summer
Juicy slices shine in sandwiches and salads

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Solanum lycopersicum

Days to maturity

78 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

50 Seeds

About German Johnson, Tomato Seed, Tomato Seed

German Johnson tomato seeds produce a classic heirloom variety believed to have originated with German immigrants in the southeastern United States in the early 1900s. This indeterminate, beefsteak-type tomato is known for its large, pinkish-red fruits with slightly flattened shapes and occasional ribbing. The flavor is exceptionally rich, sweet, and low in acidity, making it a favorite for fresh slicing, sandwiches, and summer salads.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/16"

Days to Germination

5–10 days

In-row plant spacing

24-36"

Row Spacing

32-48"

Plant profile

Maturity

Summer, Fall

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

84 inches

Growth Habits

Indeterminate

Type

BEEFSTEAK

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

10,313

Color

Red

Seed Type

Heirloom

Growing Season

Warm-Season Crop

Before Planting

Prepare for Tomato by selecting a full-sun, warm site with fertile, well-drained soil and good air circulation. Incorporate compost and adjust nutrients and pH according to a soil test, avoiding excessive nitrogen. Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed; harden transplants and install supports before planting when the crop requires them.

Planting

Start tomato seed indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected spring frost, maintaining about 70–80°F until germination. After emergence, provide strong light and slightly cooler conditions to produce sturdy seedlings. Harden plants gradually and transplant after frost danger has passed and soil is at least 60°F. Set nongrafted transplants deeply; keep graft unions above the soil.

Watering

Provide 1–1½ inches of water weekly, keeping moisture consistent during flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level to reduce fruit splitting, blossom-end rot, and foliage disease.

Fertilizer

Side-dress with a balanced vegetable fertilizer after plants establish and again when fruit begins forming. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers and fruit.

Harvesting

Harvest tomatoes when fruit reaches its expected size and full variety color and feels firm with a slight give. Twist gently or cut the stem to avoid damaging vines. Pick regularly to encourage continued production.

Tips

Install cages or stakes before plants become large, and mulch after the soil warms. Avoid aggressive pruning on determinate varieties. Protect blossoms from temperature extremes, which can reduce fruit set.

Pests & Diseases

Early and late blights, Septoria leaf spot, bacterial spot or canker, Fusarium and Verticillium wilts, and viruses affect tomatoes. Choose resistant varieties, rotate nightshades, mulch against soil splash, and stake plants. Remove incurably wilted or mosaic plants; discard fruit with expanding lesions rather than composting it.

Watch for hornworms, aphids, flea beetles, cutworms, and whiteflies. Inspect leaf undersides, handpick large caterpillars, use collars around young plants, and encourage beneficial insects before applying a labeled treatment.