Pork Chop Pole Tomato is an open-pollinated indeterminate variety that produces distinctive large, ribbed fruits reminiscent of the cut of meat that inspired its name. Growing vigorously on sturdy vines, this tomato reaches harvest in about 75 days and thrives across hardiness zones 3 through 12, making it adaptable to gardens from cool climates to warm regions. The plant demands full sun and moderate water, rewarding attentive growers with a steady supply of unusual fruits that command attention in the kitchen and on the garden trellis.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-12
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The deeply ridged, meaty fruits are genuinely distinctive; their unusual form sets them apart from conventional slicing tomatoes. Reaching maturity in 75 days, this open-pollinated variety produces reliably across a wide range of climates from zone 3 through 12. The indeterminate growth habit means you'll harvest continuously throughout the season, and the fruits' substantial size and structure make them particularly rewarding for fresh use.
These substantial, meaty tomatoes are prized for slicing fresh, where their distinctive ribbed shape creates dramatic cross-sections ideal for presentation. The firm flesh and generous size make them excellent for grilling whole or halved, and they hold their structure well when cooked in sauces or roasted.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your intended transplant date. Provide soil temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in moist seed-starting mix. When seedlings reach 2 inches tall, thin to one plant every 24 to 36 inches if necessary.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when air temperatures reach 45 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer, typically 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Space transplants 36 inches apart in rows spaced 36 inches apart. The plant is half-hardy, so wait until conditions are consistently warm before moving plants outside.
For mild climates only: direct sow 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
Pick fruits when they reach full color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. With fruits this size, wait until they're fully mature rather than harvesting early; the distinctive ridged shape and meaty flesh develop completely as they ripen on the vine. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.