German Johnson Tomato

Be sure to check out our Tomato Growing Guide for tips & tricks on being successful in growing tomatoes at home.

German Johnson Tomato is an heirloom, open-pollinated tomato variety that originated in North Carolina. This variety is similar to Brandywine, but with more vigorous plants and higher productivity. This is a large, beefsteak-style tomato with that signature acidity you expect from heirloom tomato varieties.

German Johnson Tomato produces long, indeterminate vines that require a strong cage or other solid structure for support. Plants can produce around 40 fruits per plants during their lifetime. The fruits are bumpy on the stem end like a traditional heirloom tomato, but tend to be more smooth around the bloom end.

Tomatoes are in the nightshade family along with peppers and eggplant. Plants in the nightshade family are susceptible to blossom end rot, which is a result of a calcium deficiency. To prevent or alleviate this problem, apply pelleted gypsum at the base of the plant at bloom set. Tomatoes do best when transplanted, as the germination time can be longer than most vegetable seed. They grow very well in our heavy-duty seed starting trays. Plants should be started 4-6 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date.

If conditions outside are favorable, transplants may be planted directly from our 162 cell trays. If conditions are still too cold for planting tomatoes, transplants may be "stepped-up" to 4" pots to allow more room to grow. Tomatoes can produce heavy fruits and will require some form of support to keep the plant upright. This ensures that plants and fruits stay off the ground, reducing the possibility of disease and keeping fruits clean.

German Johnson Tomato Planting Information

Planting Method: transplant

When to Plant: after last frost

Planting Depth: 1/4"

Seed Spacing: 2'

Row Spacing: 3-4'

Days to Maturity:  75

Disease Resistance: None