The Paragon tomato, a classic heirloom variety introduced in 1870, was a groundbreaking development in the commercial tomato industry. It transformed the perception of tomatoes from ornamental plants to a widely cultivated food crop, setting a new standard for breeding excellence.
Understanding the Paragon Tomato
The Paragon tomato is a vigorous, indeterminate plant producing an abundance of round, smooth, red fruits. These tomatoes typically weigh 250 to 400 grams (9 to 14 ounces) and measure 3 to 4 inches in diameter, making them a medium to large slicing tomato. Their color is a deep red, attributed to their rich lycopene content.
Alexander W. Livingston developed the Paragon, intentionally selecting and stabilizing specific traits. Before its introduction, tomatoes were often small, ribbed, and uneven. Livingston’s “New Method” resulted in the Paragon being the first uniformly smooth tomato. The flavor profile is balanced, offering a blend of sweetness and acidity, making it a versatile all-purpose tomato.
Cultivating Paragon Tomatoes
Planting Guidelines
Start Paragon tomato seeds indoors about six weeks before the last expected spring frost. Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Transplant seedlings outdoors once the threat of frost has passed and soil temperatures consistently remain above 60°F (15°C), typically two weeks after the last frost.
When transplanting, bury the stem deeper than it was originally grown, up to the first set of true leaves, as tomatoes can root along the buried stem. Space Paragon plants approximately 3 feet (90 cm) apart. If growing in rows, allow 3 to 5 feet between rows to accommodate their spread.
Soil and Nutrient Needs
Paragon tomatoes thrive in deep, fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. An ideal soil pH for nutrient uptake ranges from 6.2 to 6.8, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Incorporating aged compost or other organic materials before planting improves soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability.
Tomatoes are heavy feeders, requiring a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium throughout their growth cycle. During early growth, a balanced NPK ratio (e.g., 1:1:1) benefits root development. As plants transition to flowering and fruiting, potassium requirements increase, with a recommended NPK ratio of 2-1-3 or 5-3-10 for fruit development and quality. Calcium is also important for fruit development and to prevent blossom end rot.
Watering Practices
Consistent and deep watering is important for healthy Paragon tomato plants. Tomatoes generally need 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on weather conditions, which should penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) to encourage deep root growth. Water in the morning at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.
Check soil moisture daily; if the top inch or two feels dry, it is time to water. Inconsistent watering, such as cycles of drought followed by heavy watering, can lead to fruit cracking. Mulching around the plants with 2 to 4 inches of organic material like straw or compost helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Paragon tomatoes require abundant sunlight to produce high yields and flavorful fruit. They need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily; more hours often lead to better results. Place them in a sunny location away from competing trees and shrubs.
Optimal daytime temperatures for tomato production range from 70 to 82°F (21 to 27°C), while nighttime temperatures between 62 and 64°F (17 to 18°C) are ideal. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can impair growth, and prolonged temperatures above 86°F (30°C) can hinder lycopene formation, affecting fruit color.
Support and Pruning
Paragon tomato plants require substantial support due to their vigorous, indeterminate growth. Staking, caging, or trellising is necessary to keep the heavy plants upright and off the ground, which helps prevent disease and makes harvesting easier. Install support systems shortly after transplanting to avoid root damage.
Pruning can improve air circulation and direct the plant’s energy into fruit production. Removing suckers (small shoots that emerge between the main stem and a leaf branch) can be beneficial, especially if aiming for larger fruit. Pruning lower leaves that touch the soil also helps prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto the foliage.
Pest and Disease Management
Preventative measures are the first line of defense against common tomato pests and diseases. Maintaining healthy, vigorous plants through proper watering and fertilization increases their resilience. Good air circulation, achieved by proper spacing and pruning, is important for preventing fungal diseases.
Common tomato pests include hornworms, aphids, and whiteflies, which can be managed by hand-picking or organic sprays. Diseases such as early blight and late blight are often spread by water; avoid overhead irrigation and working with plants when foliage is wet to reduce their spread. Removing infected plant material and rotating planting locations annually also contribute to disease management.
Harvesting and Enjoying Paragon Tomatoes
Paragon tomatoes typically mature and are ready for harvest around 75 days after transplanting. The main indicator of ripeness is their deep, uniform red color and a slight give when gently squeezed. While tomatoes picked slightly under-ripe will continue to ripen indoors, those allowed to fully mature on the vine often have the best flavor and sweetness.
To harvest, gently twist or snip the fruit from the vine, leaving a small piece of stem attached to avoid damaging the fruit. Fruit ripens throughout the mid-season. Their meaty texture makes them highly versatile in the kitchen. They are excellent for fresh eating, such as in salads or sliced for sandwiches, and their robust flavor holds up well in sauces, soups, and for canning.