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The Juliet Tomato
The Juliet tomato is a sweet, grape-shaped cherry tomato that grows well in home gardens. These cute little tomatoes have a rich, complex flavor with hints of fruitiness. Their high sugar content makes Juliets taste incredibly sweet, earning them the nickname “candy tomatoes.”
Gardeners love growing Juliet tomatoes for their prolific yields and disease resistance. The plants grow vigorously and produce long strands of grape-like fruit all summer. Juliets are great for eating fresh or using recipes for cherry tomatoes.
Keep reading to learn everything about growing Juliet tomatoes, from planting seeds to harvesting ripe fruits. Discover tips for maximizing yields and enjoy delicious Juliet tomatoes from your backyard.
What Do Juliet Tomatoes Taste Like?
Juliet tomatoes have an exceptionally sweet, rich, and complex flavor. When ripe, they taste like candy with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Unlike grocery store tomatoes, homegrown Juliets burst with tangy tomato essence.
The fruits have a meaty texture similar to cherry tomatoes but with thinner skin. When you bite into a Juliet tomato, the juice fills your mouth with luscious fruity flavors. There are also hints of spice and earthiness to balance the sweetness.
Juliet tomatoes rate high on the Brix scale, which measures sugar content. The higher the Brix degree, the sweeter and tastier the tomato. Juliets often reach over 10°Brix, making them one of the most precious tomato varieties you can grow.
The flavor profile changes slightly depending on growing conditions. But overall, Juliet tomatoes offer an intensely sweet cherry tomato taste that’s hard to beat.
How To Grow Juliet Tomatoes From Seed
Growing Juliet tomatoes from seed allows you complete control over the plants from start to finish. You can nurture them from seedlings to heavy ripe, candy-sweet tomato producers.
Follow these simple steps for successfully growing Juliets from seed:
Supplies For Planting Juliet Tomato Seeds
- Juliet tomato seeds
- Seed starting mix
- Cell packs or seed trays
- Small pots (3-4 inches wide)
- Grow lights or sunny window
- Heat mat (optional)
- Seed-starting fertilizer (optional)
- Spray bottle for watering
1. Plant Tomato Seeds
Fill cell packs or seed trays with moist seed starting mix. Plant 1-2 Juliet tomato seeds in each cell, 1/4 inch deep. Gently water to moisten the soil after planting.
2. Add Heat & Light
Place seed trays in a warm area around 75°F. You can use a heat mat to maintain optimal temperature. Position grow lights 2 inches above the trays and set the daily timer for 14-16 hours.
3. Water & Thin Seedlings
Keep the soil moist but not saturated as seeds germinate. This takes around 5-12 days. Thin down to 1 seedling per cell once the first true leaves emerge. Fertilize seedlings weekly with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
4. Pot Seedlings Up In Larger Containers
Transplant tomato seedlings into 3-4 inch pots once they reach 3-4 inches tall. Bury the stem up to the lowest leaves. Allow 14-21 days for seedlings to establish before moving outdoors.
Growing Juliet tomatoes from seed takes about 8-10 weeks before seedlings are ready for transplanting into the garden. You’ll have vigorous, stocky tomato plants prepared to thrive with proper care.
How To Plant Juliet Tomato Seedlings Outdoors
Those who want to skip seed starting can purchase Juliet tomato seedlings from a nursery. Follow these tips to plant store-bought seedlings in your vegetable garden successfully:
Supplies For Planting Juliet Tomato Seedlings
- Juliet tomato seedlings
- Shovel and trowel
- Tomato cages or stakes
- Mulch (straw, leaves, etc.)
- NPK fertilizer
- Garden hose
- Wheelbarrow
1. Harden Off The Tomato Seedlings
Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Bring them outside for a few hours daily, slowly increasing time out. This toughens them up for transplanting.
2. Prepare The Garden Bed
Choose a site with full sun (at least 6 hours) and nutrient-rich soil. Amend with compost if needed. Dig holes 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart. Mix the fertilizer into each hole per label instructions.
3. Plant The Tomato Seedlings
Carefully remove seedlings from containers, handling by the leaves instead of the stem. Place each plant into a hole, filling it with soil to cover the root ball. Leave 2-3 inches of space between the top leaves and soil.
4. Mulch The Soil
Spread 2-3 inches of mulch around plants, leaving space around the stem. This retains moisture and prevents weeds.
5. Install Tomato Cages
Put tomato cages over each seedling. Or use stakes with nylon twine woven through the stakes to support vines.
Now it’s time to let your Juliet tomato plants thrive! Be sure to provide consistent water and nutrition throughout the growing season.
The First Time Gardener’s Tomato – Juliet Tomato
How To Grow & Care For Juliet Tomato Plants
Growing bountiful harvests of ripe Juliet tomatoes requires giving plants proper care and maintenance all season. Here are vital tips for looking after Juliet tomatoes in your vegetable plot:
Watering Juliet Tomato Plants
Tomatoes need consistent moisture, about 1-2 inches of water per week from rain and irrigation. Water at the base of plants, avoiding wet foliage, which can encourage disease. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to maintain optimal moisture levels.
Weeding Garden Beds
Control weeds by regularly hand pulling, hoeing, or applying organic mulch around plants. Weeds compete for water and nutrients, so keeping them in check is essential.
Pruning Tomato Plants
Prune off suckers (shoots growing between the main stem and branches) to encourage larger fruits. Remove lower leaves shading soil to promote good airflow.
Fertilizing Juliet Tomato Plants
Give Juliet tomato plants a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Fish emulsion, compost tea, worm castings, and all-purpose organic plant foods work well.
Protecting Juliet Tomatoes From Pests
Use row covers, beneficial insects, or organic sprays made with neem oil or pyrethrins to prevent pests like hornworms, aphids, or tomato fruit worms. Always follow label directions.
With proper care, your Juliet tomato plants will stay healthy and productive all season long. Be diligent about addressing any issues quickly to maintain vigorous growth.
Harvesting Ripe Juliet Tomatoes
One of the best parts of growing Juliet tomatoes is picking those ripe, juicy fruits all summer! Follow these tips for harvesting Juliets at their peak flavor:
- Check plants daily once fruits start coloring up. Juliets ripen from green to red quickly.
- Gently twist ripe tomatoes off the vine. Be careful not to damage plants during picking.
- Avoid pulling the stems out, which can injure plants. Use pruners to snip off fruits with long stems.
- Pick tomatoes as they ripen to encourage more production. Don’t allow overripe fruits to remain on the vines.
- Handle tomatoes gently to avoid bruising. Place picked fruits in flat containers, not piled high.
- Enjoy freshly picked Juliet tomatoes for the best quality and flavor within a few days.
With their high yields, expect lots of ripe, candy-sweet Juliets all season long!
Storing Juliet Tomatoes
Enjoy your freshly picked Juliet tomatoes right away for maximum flavor. If you need to store some:
- Leave stems on and store them unwashed in the refrigerator. The stems help prolong freshness.
- Place tomatoes stem side up in a single layer, not stacked. Storing in a paper bag also works well.
- Let tomatoes come to room temperature before eating for the best flavor.
- Tomatoes appropriately stored in the fridge will last around 5-7 days.
- Wash tomatoes right before eating. Unwashed fruits last longer in storage.
- Avoid placing tomatoes near ethylene-producing fruits like apples, which can cause premature ripening.
- You can also freeze whole Juliet tomatoes. Blanch for 30 seconds, cool in ice water, and freeze in zip-top bags.
Proper refrigeration allows you to enjoy homegrown Juliet tomatoes for up to a week after harvesting. Nothing beats the sweet flavor of vine-ripened tomatoes!
Common Pests Affecting Juliet Tomato Plants
Even when grown organically, certain pests can sometimes affect Juliet’s tomatoes. Here are the most common insects and how to control them:
Tomato Hornworms – These large green caterpillars have white v-shaped markings. They chew irregular holes in leaves and can devour tomatoes. Hand pick off plants and dispose of them in soapy water. Use Bacillus thuringiensis as needed.
Aphids – Tiny pear-shaped insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves. They suck plant juices, causing yellow-speckled foliage. Knock them off with a strong spray of water. Introduce ladybugs or apply insecticidal soap.
Tomato Fruitworms – The larvae of these moths bore into and feed on tomatoes. Look for entry holes filled with sawdust-like frass. Remove damaged fruits immediately and destroy them. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis weekly as a preventative.
Be vigilant about checking for pests daily. At the first sign of insects, take action to protect your Juliet tomato crop. Maintaining healthy soil and plants is vital to preventing large pest infestations.
Common Diseases Affecting Juliet Tomato Plants
While resistant to many diseases, specific pathogens can still affect Juliet tomatoes. Monitor plants and take action at the first sign of issues:
Early Blight – Causes yellowing leaves with small, dark target-shaped spots. It begins on lower leaves and spreads up. Improve airflow and avoid watering from above. Remove and destroy affected leaves. Apply fungicides made with copper compounds.
Late Blight – A highly destructive fungus causing large dark brown leaf spots. It spreads rapidly in humid, excellent conditions. Promptly remove and dispose of all infected plants to prevent spread. Do not compost diseased plants.
Blossom End Rot – Causes black sunken spots on tomato bottoms. Caused by inconsistent watering leading to calcium deficiency. Maintain even moisture levels and spray plants with calcium chloride if needed.
With prompt treatment at the first sign of disease, you can contain most tomato plant pathogens before they negatively impact your Juliet tomato crop. Prioritize good cultural practices to grow vigorous, healthy plants.
Are Juliet Tomatoes Heirloom Tomatoes?
Juliet tomatoes are not heirlooms. Instead, they are a hybrid variety developed by the Israeli seed company Hazera Genetics in the 1990s.
While not heirlooms, Juliet tomatoes retain desirable qualities like excellent flavor, meaty texture, and high yields. Their grape-like shape and super sweet taste also make them unique.
Heirlooms have been saved for generations and breed true from seed. Hybrids like Juliet do not grow true to type when their seeds are kept.
But Juliet tomatoes have quickly become a favorite of home gardeners. Their productivity and disease resistance ensures bountiful harvests of candy-like fruits.
How Tall Do Juliet Tomato Plants Get?
Juliet tomato plants grow to an average height of 4-6 feet. However, that can vary depending on your growing conditions.
Here are the factors that affect Juliet’s tomato size:
- Container vs. In-Ground – Plants limited by small containers stay more compact, around 3-4 feet tall. In raised beds or gardens, plants grow taller up to 6 feet.
- Caging/Pruning – Allowing vines to sprawl freely allows plants to reach full size. Caging and pruning to a single stem limits height.
- Sun Exposure – Insufficient sunlight results in lean, leggy growth. The full sun keeps plants more compact.
- Soil Quality – Poor thin soil causes excessive height as the vines search for nutrients and water. Rich soil equals healthier plants.
- Time to Maturity – Juliet tomatoes reach max size once the fruits ripen, usually 60-80 days from transplanting.
Give Juliet tomato plants full sun, nutrient-rich soil, and proper caging/pruning for best results. This yields ideal vine length and tons of ripe fruits!
Juliet Tomato Recipes
Juliet tomatoes’ sweet flavor and grape-like shape make them perfect for savory and sweet recipes. Here are some delicious ways to use up your Juliet tomato harvest:
- Caprese Salad – Slice Juliets and fresh mozzarella, alternate on skewers, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Pasta Salad – Toss Juliets with pasta, feta cheese, olives, artichokes, and red vinaigrette.
- Tomato Salsa – Dice Juliets, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve with tortilla chips.
- Tomato Sauce – Simmer Juliets with olive oil, garlic, basil, and red wine. Toss with penne pasta.
- Tomato Jam – Cook down Juliets with sugar and spices. Fill jars and water bath can.
- Frozen Juliet Tomatoes – Blanch whole fruits and freeze in zip-top bags. Add to recipes all winter long!
Don’t let extra ripe tomatoes go to waste. Turn them into these quick and easy Juliet tomato recipes.
The Juliet Tomato (AAS Winner) Profile – No Skin Cracking: ‘The Proof is in the Plant’
Top 10 Health Benefits Of Juliet Tomatoes
The grape-shaped Juliet tomato is not only sweet and delicious – it also offers many health benefits. Here are the top 10 reasons to add more Juliet tomatoes to your diet:
- High in Antioxidants – Juliets contain lycopene, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.
- May Protect Against Cancer – Studies show tomatoes high in lycopene are associated with lower prostate, lung, stomach, and colon cancer risks.
- Boost Heart Health – The nutrients in Juliet help lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Lycopene improves arterial function.
- Enhance Vision – The high levels of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin promote eye health and may prevent macular degeneration.
- Help Control Blood Sugar – The low glycemic index of Juliet tomatoes benefits diabetes management and can reduce spikes in blood glucose.
- Aid Digestion – Tomatoes contain fiber that improves gut health and promotes regularity. Citric and malic acids improve nutrient absorption.
- Support Immune System – Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other vitamins and minerals in Juliets boost immune function.
- Build Strong Bones – Tomatoes provide calcium, vitamin K, and magnesium, essential for bone density and strength.
- Promote Skin Health – Lycopene protects skin from sun damage. Vitamin C aids collagen formation for youthful skin.
- Help Prevent Anemia – As a good source of iron and vitamin C, Juliets improve iron absorption to help prevent iron deficiency.
With their sweet taste and nutrient density, Juliet tomatoes are a healthy addition to any diet. Eat them fresh or cooked to reap the wellness benefits.
Juliet Tomato Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 27 | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 5.8 g | 2% |
| Protein | 1.1 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% |
| Sugars | 3.4 g | |
| Fat | 0.3 g | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 18.6 mg | 21% |
| Lycopene | 2515 mcg | |
| Potassium | 209 mg | 4% |
| Folate | 15 mcg | 4% |
| Vitamin K | 8.3 mcg | 7% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.08 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 11 mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 18 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 2% |
Juliet tomatoes are packed with antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C. They also provide fiber, potassium, B vitamins, and essential minerals. Enjoy their sweet flavor and reap the many wellness perks.
Similar Tomato Cultivars
If you love growing Juliet tomatoes, be sure also to try these other grape-like cherry tomato varieties:
- Sweet Million – Extremely prolific plants producing tons of sweet red fruits. Tall vines need staking.
- Sungold – Bursting with super sweet and tangy orange flavor. Vigorous vines bear early and all season.
- Sakura – Mild-flavored bright pink tomatoes are produced in clusters. Compact determinate vines.
- Isis Candy – Gorgeous bi-colored fruits are blushed pink and yellow. Indeterminate vines need staking.
- Sun Sugar – Large orange cherry-style fruits with well-balanced, sugary flavor.
These productive cherry-type tomatoes offer a spectacular sweet taste for snacking and salads. Try different varieties to find new favorites!
With its exceptional flavor and grape-shaped fruits, Juliet remains a top choice. These growing tips will help you maximize productivity and enjoy candy-sweet tomatoes from your backyard.
FAQs about Juliet Tomatoes
How Do You Take Care Of A Juliet Tomato Plant?
Juliet tomato plants need total sun exposure and nutrient-rich soil. Water them 1-2 inches weekly and use mulch to retain moisture. Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Stake or cage plants to support vigorous growth. Prune suckers and leaves as needed. Monitor for pests and diseases.
How Long Does It Take For Juliet Tomatoes To Grow?
Juliet tomatoes take around 60-80 days to reach maturity and begin producing ripe fruits. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings out after hardening off once day and night temps stay above 50 F. Then enjoy sweet fruits all summer long.
How Tall Do Juliet Tomatoes Grow?
Juliet tomato plants can grow 4-6 feet tall on average. Container plants stay more compact, around 3-4 feet. Staked and pruned plants can reach 6 feet at max size in garden beds. Proper care for vigorous growth will maximize Juliet’s tomato plant height.
How Long Does It Take Juliet Tomatoes To Turn Red?
Juliet tomatoes ripen from mature green to bright red reasonably quickly, within 5-7 days. Monitor fruits daily as they start blushing and pick immediately once fully colored for optimal flavor. Warmer temperatures speed ripening.
Should I Pinch Off Juliet Tomato Flowers?
Do not pinch off Juliet’s tomato flowers. Allow them to develop into fruits to maximize yields. Selective pruning of suckers is beneficial but leaves all flowers intact for a prolific harvest of ripe tomatoes.
Should I Water My Juliet Tomato Plant Every Morning?
Water Juliet tomato plants 1-2 inches per week for consistent moisture. Avoid watering leaves in the morning, which can encourage diseases. Evening or drip irrigation works well. Check the soil before watering again to prevent oversaturation.
Do Juliet Tomatoes Ripen Faster On The Vine Or Off?
Juliet tomatoes ripen fastest when left on the vine until entirely red. Pick promptly once ripe for the best flavor. Pulling unripe fruits off the plant to ripen indoors results in poorer quality.
Will Juliet Tomatoes Ripen If Picked Green?
Juliet tomatoes picked prematurely green will eventually ripen indoors but will not fully match the flavor, texture, or color of vine-ripened fruits. Leave them on the plant until completely red whenever possible.
Do Juliet Tomatoes Ripen Faster In Light Or Dark?
Light helps speed up the ripening process for Juliet tomatoes. Keep picked green fruits out on the counter in a sunny spot rather than shaded or in the fridge. The light and warmth aid ripening.
What Are Juliet Tomatoes Good For?
Juliet tomatoes are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them fresh in salads and salsas. Cook them down into sauces for pasta. Roast them with herbs. Make jam or freeze for winter use. Their sweetness suits both savory and sweet preparations.
Can I Save Seeds From Juliet Tomato?
No, Juliet is a hybrid tomato, so saving seeds will not produce accurately for next season. The resulting plants would be unpredictable. Purchase new Juliet tomato seeds each year for reliable results. Heirlooms, not hybrids, allow seed saving.
Are Roma And Juliet Tomatoes The Same?
No, Roma and Juliet’s tomatoes are very different. Roma tomatoes are oblong shaped, while Juliet tomatoes are small, round, and grape-like. Flavor also varies, with Juliets being much sweeter than Roma varieties.
Is Juliet Tomato Determinate Or Indeterminate?
Juliet tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they grow as vines that require staking or caging. Pruning helps manage their vigorous growth. Determinate tomatoes remain more compact without the support needed.
Juliet Tomato Plants For Sale Near Me
Search for “Juliet tomato plants for sale near me” to find local nurseries or garden centers offering this sweet grape tomato plant. Availability depends on location and season. Many carry Juliet seedlings from spring through early summer.