Firefly Tomato

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in warm soil around 70°F and keep consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 5 to 10 days. Provide 14 to 16 hours of light daily once seedlings emerge, keeping them under grow lights or in a bright windowsill to prevent legging.

Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F, ideally 65 to 70°F. Harden off plants gradually over 7 to 10 days by exposing them to increasing periods of outdoor conditions. Space plants 24 inches apart with 36 inches between rows. Plant slightly deeper than they grew indoors to encourage a stronger root system.

Pick Firefly tomatoes when they've turned pale yellow, typically 80 to 89 days after transplanting seedlings into the garden. The fruits should yield slightly to gentle pressure but still feel firm. Because they're small, check plants frequently during peak season to catch tomatoes at their optimal ripeness before they can overripen or split. Twist gently or use pruners to detach fruits from the vine, being careful not to damage the delicate stems that support the next cluster.

As an indeterminate variety, Firefly benefits from selective pruning to manage vine growth and improve air circulation. Remove the lowest suckers (shoots that emerge between the main stem and branches) once the plant is established to reduce disease pressure and direct energy toward fruit production. Prune cautiously during the growing season, removing only what's necessary to open up the canopy; excessive pruning can expose ripening fruits to sunscald.