Mountain Delight Tomato

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch in warm soil (around 70°F) in seed-starting mix kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge, either from grow lights or a sunny window.

Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Space plants 18 inches apart in rows set 36 inches apart. Plant slightly deeper than they were growing in their containers to encourage strong root development.

Harvest fruits when they reach full color and feel slightly soft to gentle pressure, typically 70 to 79 days after transplanting. At 10 ounces each, the smooth-skinned fruits are substantial enough to be easy to spot on the compact plant. Twist and pull gently to detach ripe tomatoes from the vine, or use pruning shears to avoid damaging the stem. Pick fruits regularly once they begin ripening to encourage continued production.

Because Mountain Delight is a determinate variety, it will naturally stop growing and produce most of its fruit over a concentrated period rather than continuously throughout the season. Light pruning of lower leaves as the plant matures can improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure, but avoid excessive pruning that would remove fruit-bearing branches.