The Early Treat Hybrid Tomato is a popular choice for gardeners prioritizing a fast and consistent harvest. This variety is bred for extra-early fruit production, often maturing in as little as 49 days from transplanting. It produces plentiful clusters of deep red, four-ounce fruits excellent for slicing and fresh eating. The plant is a high-yielding, indeterminate type, meaning it continues to grow, flower, and produce new fruit until the first frost.
Essential Requirements and Initial Planting
Successful cultivation of the Early Treat Hybrid begins with providing the correct growing environment. Tomato plants thrive best when they receive a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day, making a location with full sun necessary. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter to prevent waterlogged roots and provide a consistent nutrient supply. Tomatoes prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.2 to 6.8).
If starting from seed, begin the process indoors about six to eight weeks before the final expected spring frost date. Once the seedlings are ready to be moved outside, the transplanting technique is important for developing a strong root system, as tomatoes can grow roots along any buried section of the stem.
To take advantage of this, remove the lower leaves from the seedling and bury the plant deeper into the soil, leaving only the top few sets of leaves above the ground. This burial encourages a dense network of roots, which helps the plant absorb more water and nutrients. Space the transplants appropriately to allow for air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
Routine Care and Physical Support
Consistent watering is the most important factor for tomato health, preventing issues like blossom end rot. Plants require deep, infrequent watering that saturates the root zone rather than light, daily sprinkling. Always direct water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, as wet leaves create an ideal environment for fungal spores.
Watering in the morning allows any splashed moisture on the leaves time to evaporate completely during the day. Because the Early Treat Hybrid has an indeterminate growth habit, it requires substantial physical support to manage its continuous vine growth. Secure the main stems to a sturdy cage, stake, or trellis system early in the season to keep heavy fruit clusters off the ground and improve air flow.
Fertilization is a two-stage process tailored to the plant’s growth phase. Initially, when the plant is focused on vegetative growth, it benefits from a balanced or slightly higher nitrogen fertilizer. Once flowering and fruiting begin, switch to a formula with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorus and potassium, such as a 2-3-1 or 5-10-20 NPK ratio. Phosphorus is necessary for flower and fruit development, while potassium aids in proper ripening and flavor.
Managing Common Pests and Diseases
Preventative strategies are the most effective way to manage common tomato threats. Fungal diseases like Early Blight and Septoria Leaf Spot thrive in humid conditions, making good air circulation and keeping foliage dry important. Inspect the plants weekly and immediately remove any lower leaves that show signs of spotting or yellowing, especially those touching the soil surface, as these are common entry points for pathogens.
Common insect pests, such as the tomato hornworm and aphids, must be controlled quickly to prevent crop damage. Hornworms can be identified by their large size and V-shaped markings, and the most effective organic control is handpicking them off the plant. A quick jet of water can dislodge aphid colonies, or you can treat them with a low-impact insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, ensuring thorough coverage of the leaf undersides.
For fungal or bacterial issues, low-impact treatments include copper fungicides, which can be effective against problems like bacterial speck. Consistent garden hygiene, such as removing all plant debris at the end of the season and practicing crop rotation, prevents disease spores from overwintering in the soil. Applying a product containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a selective biological control that targets caterpillars like the hornworm without harming beneficial insects.
Harvesting Early and Maximizing Production
The Early Treat Hybrid’s rapid maturity means it is often ready for harvest in under 50 days. The fruits should be picked when they are fully colored and firm to the touch. Regular picking is necessary to encourage the indeterminate vines to continue producing new flowers and fruit clusters throughout the season.
To maximize the yield of this indeterminate variety, practice strategic pruning by removing suckers. Suckers are small shoots that emerge in the “V” where a leaf stem meets the main stalk. Removing them redirects the plant’s energy away from producing unnecessary foliage and into setting and ripening fruit.
Focusing the plant’s resources on the main productive stems can speed up the maturity of the remaining fruit. Carefully pinch out the suckers when they are small to avoid creating large open wounds on the main stem that could invite disease. This technique ensures the highest possible yield from this fast-producing hybrid.