The Goliath Bush Tomato offers a rewarding gardening experience, especially for those with limited space. This compact hybrid variety yields a generous harvest of large, flavorful beefsteak-style fruit, making homegrown tomatoes accessible to many gardeners.
Distinctive Features of Goliath Bush Tomato
Goliath Bush Tomato plants exhibit a determinate growth habit, growing to a predetermined size, typically between 2.5 to 4 feet tall. They produce the majority of their fruit within a concentrated period. This compact stature makes them well-suited for container gardening, raised beds, or smaller garden plots where sprawling indeterminate varieties might be impractical.
The fruit often reaches 3 to 4 inches across and weighs between 6 to 15 ounces. These are bright red, round, beefsteak-style tomatoes with firm, smooth skin that resists cracking. The flesh is meaty, juicy, and contains few seeds, offering a sweet, robust, and well-balanced flavor with relatively high sugar content. Under ideal conditions, a single plant can produce a substantial yield, sometimes over 100 tomatoes, ripening within a 60 to 85-day maturity window.
Cultivating Goliath Bush Tomato
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Goliath Bush Tomato plants thrive in warm, sunny locations, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production. They prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, thoroughly work the soil, incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage. For container growing, choose a pot with good drainage, such as a 5-gallon container per plant.
Starting Seeds and Transplanting
Tomato seeds are sensitive to cold and require warm temperatures for germination. Start Goliath Bush Tomato seeds indoors 6 to 10 weeks before the last anticipated frost date, with optimal germination temperatures between 80-85°F. Seedlings should be at least 10 inches tall before transplanting outdoors. Before transplanting, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions by hardening them off for several days, sheltering them from direct sun, strong winds, and heavy rain.
Transplant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures consistently remain above 45°F, ideally when temperatures are above 70°F. When transplanting, bury the stem up to the first set of leaves to encourage a stronger root system. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart in rows, or one plant per 5-gallon container, to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.
Watering and Fertilizing
Consistent moisture is important for Goliath Bush Tomato plants, as inconsistent watering can lead to issues like blossom end rot. Water deeply and regularly, aiming for about 2 inches of water per week, adjusting frequency based on weather and plant size. Water at the base of the plant in the morning, avoiding wetting the leaves, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering, sometimes twice daily in hot weather, due to quicker soil drying.
Goliath Bush Tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization throughout their growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, followed by regular feeding every two to three weeks. Avoid excessive nitrogen once fruits begin to set, as this can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit development. Fertilizers with higher potassium content are recommended during the fruiting stage to support fruit production.
Support and Pruning
Goliath Bush Tomato plants benefit from some form of support, especially given the weight of their large fruits. While they may not require extensive staking like indeterminate varieties, a small cage or stake can help prevent branches from breaking under the fruit load and keep the plant upright. This support also improves air circulation around the plant, reducing the risk of disease.
Pruning needs for determinate varieties like Goliath Bush Tomato are minimal. Removing lower leaves that touch the soil can improve air circulation and reduce disease transmission from soil-borne pathogens. While suckers (shoots that grow in the axil of a leaf and stem) can be removed to direct energy to fruit development, it is not as critical as with indeterminate varieties, as excessive pruning can reduce yield in determinate types.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Goliath Bush Tomato plants can encounter certain pests and diseases, though this hybrid is noted for its resistance to common issues like Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt (races 1 and 2), and root nematodes. Early blight, a common fungal disease, appears as dark, concentric spots on lower leaves and can be managed by ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing affected foliage. Crop rotation every three years also helps prevent disease buildup in the soil.
Pest control often involves simple observation and mechanical removal. Inspect plants regularly for common tomato pests such as tomato hornworms and aphids. Hand-picking hornworms is an effective method, while a strong spray of water can dislodge aphids. Blossom end rot, characterized by dark, leathery patches on the bottom of fruits, is a physiological disorder caused by inconsistent watering or calcium deficiency. Maintaining consistent soil moisture and ensuring adequate calcium availability can prevent this issue.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Goliath Bush Tomatoes
The fruits are ready for picking when they have developed a uniform, bright red color and feel slightly firm with a slight give when gently squeezed. Harvesting tomatoes as they ripen encourages the plant to produce more fruit. Use clean garden shears or a sharp knife to cut the stem just above the fruit, leaving a small piece of stem attached, to avoid damaging the plant and to prolong the fruit’s storage life.
Once harvested, Goliath Bush Tomatoes are versatile for culinary use. Their meaty and juicy texture makes them ideal for slicing in sandwiches, salads, or burgers. They are also excellent for cooking, baking, and canning due to their robust flavor and firm flesh. They can be enjoyed fresh or transformed into sauces, soups, or salsas. For short-term storage, keep ripe tomatoes at room temperature; refrigeration can diminish their flavor and texture.