Knowing when to pick tomatoes is the secret to getting the best flavor from your garden. It’s the difference between a bland, mealy fruit and one that bursts with sweet, tangy sunshine. This guide will give you the clear, simple signs to look for so you can harvest your tomatoes at their absolute peak.
Picking at the right time also helps your plant. It encourages more tomatoes to grow. And it gets the fruit off the vine before bugs, birds, or bad weather can damage it. Let’s look at the clues that tell you it’s time.
When To Pick Tomatoes
This main rule applies to most tomatoes. You don’t always have to wait for them to be fully colored on the vine. In fact, sometimes it’s better not to.
The Color Change is Key
For all tomatoes, color is your primary indicator. A green tomato is not ready. A fully colored one is. But the magic happens in between.
- Breaker Stage: This is your green light. Look for the first hint of color—pink, red, yellow, or purple—breaking through the green skin. At this point, the tomato has reached its full size and the internal ripening process has begun.
- From Breaker to Full Color: Once a tomato shows color, it will continue to ripen off the vine. The flavor, sugars, and vitamins will still develop.
The Feel Test
Gently squeeze the tomato. A ripe tomato will yield slightly to gentle pressure. It should feel firm but not hard, and definitely not soft or mushy. Think of the feel of a ripe avocado.
The Sniff Test
Bring the tomato close to your nose. A perfectly ripe tomato, especially at the stem end, will have a rich, earthy, sweet smell. If it smells like nothing, it’s not quite ready.
Signs of Overripeness
Watch out for these signs that you’ve waited to long:
- Skin that feels overly soft or wrinkled.
- Cracks or splits around the stem.
- The tomato easily detaches with just a light touch.
How to Pick Properly
Use two hands. Hold the tomato in one hand, and the stem just above the fruit in the other. Gently twist until the tomato snaps free. Or, use a pair of clean garden clippers or scissors to cut the stem. This prevents you from tearing the vine.
Never pull straight down on the tomato. This can damage the whole branch.
Should You Pick Green Tomatoes?
Yes, sometimes! There are two good reasons:
- End of Season: If frost is forecasted, pick all tomatoes that have reached their full size, even if they’re green. They will ripen indoors.
- Pest Pressure: If birds or squirrels are beating you to the harvest, pick at the breaker stage and finish ripening inside.
Ripening Tomatoes Indoors
If you pick at the breaker stage or have green tomatoes at season’s end, you can ripen them inside. Here’s how to do it right.
The Best Method
Place your tomatoes in a single layer in a cardboard box or on a tray. Keep them at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Check them daily for progress and to remove any that start to spoil.
To Use or Not to Use a Paper Bag
Putting tomatoes in a paper bag with a banana or apple can speed things up. These fruits release ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent. But watch closely, as they can go from ripe to overripe quickly this way. Don’t use a plastic bag, as it traps too much moisture.
What Not to Do
Avoid putting tomatoes on a sunny windowsill to ripen. This can make them rot before they ripen evenly. The heat is to intense. Cool, dark places like a basement are also to slow and can harm flavor development.
Signs by Tomato Type
Different tomatoes give slightly different signals. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Large Slicing Tomatoes (Beefsteak, Brandywine)
These can take a long time to fully color. Pick them at the breaker stage to avoid cracks or blemishes. They’ll finish ripening on your counter in a few days.
Cherry and Grape Tomatoes
These small tomatoes ripen quickly. Wait until they are fully, uniformly colored and detach easily with a gentle tug. They are less likely to crack, so you can often leave them on the vine longer.
Paste Tomatoes (Roma, San Marzano)
Harvest these when they are deeply colored and very firm. A good paste tomato will feel dense and heavy for its size. They have less water content, so they feel different than a slicer.
Heirloom vs. Hybrid
Heirloom tomatoes often have softer skin and are more prone to cracking. It’s especially smart to pick these at the first sign of color. Hybrids are often bred for tougher skin and can stay on the vine a bit longer.
Common Problems and Solutions
Cracking or Splitting
This happens after uneven watering, often a heavy rain after a dry spell. If you see cracks, pick the tomato immediately, even if it’s not fully ripe. You can cut away the cracked part and use the rest, or let it finish ripening indoors.
Bird or Squirrel Damage
If pests are taking bites, your picking time just got earlier. Harvest at the very first color change. You can also try protective netting for next season.
Blossom End Rot
This dark, leathery spot on the bottom is a calcium issue related to watering. If you see it, pick the affected tomato and discard it. It won’t recover. Focus on consistent watering for the rest of your crop.
FAQ: Your Tomato Picking Questions Answered
Can a tomato be too ripe to pick?
Absolutely. If it’s mushy, leaking, or has a sour smell, it’s past its prime. It’s best to compost these and check your other tomatoes more frequently.
What time of day is best for picking tomatoes?
The morning is ideal, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. The tomatoes will be firm and full of moisture. Avoid picking them when they are wet, as this can spread disease.
Do tomatoes ripen faster on or off the vine?
They ripen faster on the vine if conditions are perfect. But picking at the breaker stage and ripening inside is a reliable method that often produces better quality fruit by protecting it.
How long does it take for a green tomato to turn red?
It depends on the size and variety. A large green beefsteak may take two weeks indoors. A smaller tomato might only need a week. Ensure they are at room temperature for the quickest results.
Should you wash tomatoes right after picking?
No. Only wash them right before you plan to use them. Washing removes natural protective coatings and can make them spoil faster. Just brush off any dirt if needed.
Using these tips will help you harvest tomatoes at their flavorful best. Paying attention to color, feel, and smell takes just a moment, but it makes all the difference. Your salads, sauces, and sandwiches will thank you for it. With a little practice, knowing exactly when to pick will become second nature.