Valentine is an F1 hybrid tomato that brings serious lycopene content and reliable production to gardens across zones 4, 9. This indeterminate vine grows 48, 60 inches tall and produces harvestable fruit just 55 days from transplants, making it perfect for gardeners who want an early, disease-resistant crop. With proven Early Blight resistance and drought tolerance once established, Valentine rewards consistent care with dependable yields throughout summer and into fall.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-9
60in H x 18in W
—
High
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Valentine stands out as a high-lycopene grape tomato that combines early maturity with the vigor of an indeterminate vine. Its ability to tolerate drought after establishment, paired with disease resistance and pollinator appeal, makes it a genuinely low-stress choice for both beginners and experienced growers. The relatively short window from transplant to first harvest, just 55 days, means you'll be eating homegrown tomatoes remarkably fast.
Valentine excels as a fresh eating tomato and works beautifully in any preparation where you want concentrated tomato flavor and lycopene benefits. Its grape-sized fruit makes it ideal for snacking straight from the vine, tossing into salads, or halving for roasting.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 5–6 weeks before your transplant date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in 20-row flats (20 seeds per row) or 200-cell trays (1 seed per cell), lightly covering them. Maintain soil temperature at 75–85°F with moderate moisture; seeds typically germinate in 5–7 days. At the first true leaf stage, pot up seedlings to 50-cell trays or 4-inch pots depending on your expected transplant timing. Grow transplants at a constant 60–70°F and fertilize with complete fertilizer until hardened off. Timing is critical—avoid starting too early, as leggy, root-bound, or already-flowering transplants will stunt growth and delay early production.
Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and both day and night temperatures are warm and settled. Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods before planting. Space transplants 24 inches apart with 48 inches between rows in full sun.
Direct sowing is not recommended for Valentine; starting from transplants ensures more predictable early production.
Valentine reaches harvest just 55 days after transplanting. Harvest fruit when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch; vine-ripened tomatoes offer superior flavor and lycopene content compared to those picked green. Twist and gently pull fruit from the vine, or use pruners to avoid damaging branches. Fruit continues ripening on indeterminate plants through fall, so plan multiple harvests rather than a single picking.
Because Valentine is indeterminate, it will continue growing taller throughout the season. Once plants reach a manageable height, typically 5, 6 feet with your staking system, consider light pruning to prevent excessive height that makes harvesting difficult. Focus pruning on removing lower branches after heavy fruit set to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure.
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