Here’s How Long It Takes to Grow Tomatoes—Plus the Quickest Variety to Plant This Summer

You’ve planted your tomato seeds, watered them regularly, done some pruning as needed, and kept an eye out for pests. Now comes the hardest part: waiting. You watch as those little seedlings pop up and start to grow, hoping they’ll eventually turn into big, healthy plants loaded with juicy tomatoes. But how long is that actually supposed to take? It can feel like forever, but the good news is—it’s not a total guessing game. 

We talked to gardening experts to find out exactly how long it takes for tomatoes to bear fruit, so you’ll have a better idea of when you can finally enjoy the (literal!) fruits of your labor. They also shared some helpful growing tips to ensure your harvest is as bountiful and delicious as possible.

How Long It Takes for Tomatoes to Grow and Produce Fruit

Tomato plants take about 100 days to bear fruit—so at least three months—if you’re growing from seeds. “The process includes five to 10 days for germination, several weeks for seedling development, and about 50 to 60 days after transplanting to produce ripe fruit,” explains Sara Rubens, gardener and founder of Seed to Sanctuary.

Of course, everything depends on your climate and the tomato variety. “Vining, or indeterminate, tomatoes need about 100 to 130 days to reach full maturity,” says Faulkner Jekos. “Cherry and grape types tend to ripen faster, while heirlooms and beefsteaks need more time.” The seed packet should give you the specific timeline for your variety.

Is It Too Late to Plant Tomatoes in July?

It’s not too late to plant tomatoes in July if you’re transplanting—just opt for late-season or early-maturing varieties. Some, like Early Girl, can be ready to harvest in as little as 52 days, while others may take up to 70 days. That means you could see your first ripe tomatoes by mid-September.

Tips for Growing Healthy Tomatoes Quickly

“Tomato plants will take significantly longer and may even fail to produce if they’re stressed or not receiving proper care,” says Rubens. “Factors like too little sunlight, inconsistent watering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest and disease pressure can all delay growth.” Below are a few pro tips for thriving tomatoes. 

Ensure Lots of Sunlight and Water

Tomatoes are sun-loving plants—Rubens recommends providing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day and watering deeply (about 1 to 2 inches per week). 

Faulkner Jekos stresses the importance of consistent, deep waterings. “Fluctuations in moisture are one of the main causes of blossom end rot, rendering those tomatoes inedible!” she warns.

Fertilize Frequently

Fertilize with a balanced or tomato-specific fertilizer that’s not too high in nitrogen. “This encourages leafy growth at the expense of fruit,” Rubens warns. Faulkner Jekos also recommends working in small handfuls of mature compost around the base of the plant every few weeks. 

Provide Plenty of Structural Support

According to Rubens, supporting the plant with strong structures (like stakes or trellises) keeps fruit off the ground and improves air circulation. 

Harvest at the Right Time 

Pick tomatoes when they’re fully red and slightly soft to the touch. “Harvesting regularly not only encourages the plant to produce more but also prevents overripe fruit from attracting pests,” Rubens says. “If you notice fruit slowing down later in the season, pruning some of the plant’s foliage can redirect energy to ripening remaining tomatoes.”

Prune Strategically

Pruning tomatoes will help keep your plants healthy, although your approach should be guided by your location. “In humid climates, thinning suckers and some interior leaves improves airflow and helps reduce disease,” Faulkner Jekos says. “While in hot, dry climates, keeping more foliage can protect ripening fruit from sunscald.”

In any garden, Faulkner Jekos recommends removing diseased or damaged leaves, along with any leaves along the bottom 12 to 18 inches of the stem.