When and How to Harvest Tomatoes

The key to growing great tomatoes is combining the right variety, full sun, nutrient-rich soil, proper watering and consistent care throughout the season, and it’s just as important to harvest regularly to encourage continuous fruiting, especially for indeterminate varieties.

What is the key to harvesting tomatoes?

Harvesting tomatoes at the right time is crucial for their flavor, texture and overall quality. Here are some key points.

• Timing: Harvest tomatoes when their color has changed 30% to 50% from green to yellow, pink or red. This is known as the breaker stage, which is when the fruit is ready to leave the vine and can continue ripening indoors.

• Technique: Snip with clean scissors or use a gentle twist-and-pull motion, taking care not to yank and damage the plant.

• Storage: Store ripe tomatoes on your counter, stem-side down, to distribute the weight and prevent bruising.  Refrigerate very ripe fruit only if absolutely necessary.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your tomatoes offer the best flavor and texture for your dishes.

Watch the video for tips on picking tomatoes at their best, then read on for supplies to help you grow fresh tomatoes at home.

Product Suggestions

Garden Snips

For cutting twine, trimming leaves, pruning and even harvesting tomatoes, these are excellent light-duty snips to keep on hand when working in the garden. Compact, ultra-sharp and comfortable to use, they feature a torsion spring that helps minimize hand fatigue.

Tomato Spirals

The easiest way to support indeterminate or semi-determinate tomatoes is with these tomato spirals. Rather than tying the plant to a stake, let it grow into the spiral for natural support – an easier way than securing half-grown or fruit-heavy plants to wooden stakes. 

The Guide to Growing Great Tomatoes

Mike McGrath, the host of PBS’s You Bet Your Garden, will teach you everything you need to know about choosing tomato varieties, planting, staking, caging, food, water, maintenance and harvesting. Understand all the benefits of growing your own tomatoes and learn tips and techniques from the leading authority in the field.

Gardening Gloves

Protect your hands with gardening gloves that supply flexibility and good sensitivity. Tough polyester on the palms and fingers protects against cuts, splinters and abrasion, while breathable backs and elasticized cuffs help keep hands cool and debris out.