Glacier Tomato

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date, sowing 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting trays or 200-cell trays with one seed per cell. Keep the growing medium at 75-85°F with moderate moisture for optimal germination, which typically occurs in 5-7 days. When the first true leaves appear, transplant into larger 4-inch pots or 50-cell trays, then grow at constant 60-70°F temperatures with complete fertilizer until ready for hardening off.

Transplant outdoors around the last frost date when plants are 6-8 inches tall and night temperatures consistently stay above 45°F. Plant deeply to encourage adventitious rooting, burying the stem up to the lowest set of leaves. Water seedlings with high-phosphate fertilizer solution at planting to boost early yields, and consider using row covers for earliest crops.

Harvest Glacier tomatoes when they reach their vibrant red-orange color and feel firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure. The fruits should detach easily from the vine with a gentle twist or cut the stems with sharp shears to avoid plant damage. Since this is a determinate variety, fruit ripens over a concentrated period, typically beginning in mid-July, so check daily and harvest promptly to encourage continued production. Harvest in the morning when temperatures are cooler to preserve flavor and texture.

As a determinate variety, Glacier tomatoes require minimal pruning compared to indeterminate types. Remove lower leaves once plants are established to improve airflow and reduce disease risk, and remove any suckers that develop, though the compact growth habit produces fewer than indeterminate varieties. Focus on removing damaged or diseased foliage throughout the season rather than extensive pruning.