VegetableTomato
Ace 55 VF Tomato
Ace 55 VF is an open-pollinated heirloom tomato that delivers bright red, medium-large slicing fruits in just 80 to 89 days from transplant. This determinate variety thrives in hardiness zones 3 through 10 and grows to a compact 18 to 36 inches, making it practical for gardens, raised beds, and even greenhouses. What really sets Ace 55 VF apart is its low-acid flesh and thick walls, qualities that produce exceptionally flavorful, meaty slices perfect for fresh eating, though its chemistry makes it unsuitable for traditional canning methods.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Growth Stats
36 in
Height
Spacing
18
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-10
Size
36in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
Ace 55 VF produces vigorous plants that pack surprising productivity into a compact frame. The low-acid, thick-walled fruits deliver genuine tomato flavor without the sharp bite of higher-acid varieties, and their sturdy structure means they hold their shape beautifully on the plate. Strong resistance to Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt Race 1, and multiple other diseases means less worry about the common fungal threats that plague many heirloom varieties. This is a tomato bred for real gardeners who want disease resistance without sacrificing the open-pollinated genetics and rich flavor of a true heirloom.
Common Uses
Ace 55 VF excels as a fresh slicing tomato, where its low-acid character and thick flesh shine brightest. Use it for sandwiches, salads, and plate slices where you want meaty texture and genuine tomato flavor. The dense, sweet flesh also works well for fresh salsas and gazpacho, though its low acidity makes it unsuitable for water bath canning, a practical consideration for preservation-minded gardeners.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix, maintain soil temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and provide bright light once seedlings emerge. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ace 55 VF reaches transplant size in about 6 to 8 weeks.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant outdoors after your last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Set transplants 18 inches apart with rows spaced 36 inches apart. Bury the stem deeper than it was growing in the pot to encourage a stronger root system.
Harvesting
Pick fruits when they reach full, uniform bright red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Ace 55 VF typically matures in 80 to 89 days from transplant. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Fruits can be picked at the breaker stage (showing first blush of red) and ripened indoors if needed, though vine-ripened tomatoes deliver superior flavor.
Pruning
As a determinate variety, Ace 55 VF naturally grows as a compact, bushy plant and requires minimal pruning. Remove only the lowest leaves once the plant is established to improve air circulation and reduce disease pressure. Unlike indeterminate types, this variety does not need aggressive topping or sucker removal.
Growing Calendar
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Solanum lycopersicum
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
Solanum
Native Status
L48 (I)AK (I)HI (I)PR (I)VI (I)CAN (W)