Goliath Tomato Plant: Complete Growing Guide for Big Harvests

Discover everything you need to know about growing Goliath tomato plants—a high-yielding hybrid variety producing exceptionally large fruits (1-2 lbs each) with excellent disease resistance (VFN) and rich flavor. This comprehensive guide covers optimal planting conditions, care techniques, and harvesting tips to maximize your garden's productivity.

When you choose Goliath tomato plants for your garden, you're selecting a proven performer that consistently delivers enormous, flavorful fruits with remarkable disease resistance. Unlike many large-fruited varieties that sacrifice taste for size, Goliath maintains that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that makes homegrown tomatoes so special. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned tomato enthusiast, understanding the specific requirements of this variety will help you achieve exceptional results.

What Makes Goliath Tomatoes Stand Out

Goliath tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum 'Goliath') represent one of the most successful large-fruited hybrid varieties developed for home gardeners. This indeterminate variety produces fruits that typically weigh between 1-2 pounds, with some specimens reaching even larger sizes under optimal conditions. What truly distinguishes Goliath from other large tomato varieties is its exceptional disease resistance package—marked as VFN, indicating resistance to Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt (races 1 and 2), and root-knot nematodes.

Tomato Variety	Average Fruit Weight	Disease Resistance	Days to Maturity	Flavor Profile
Goliath	1-2 lbs	VFN	75-80 days	Balanced sweet-acidic
Beefsteak	1-1.5 lbs	None	80-85 days	Sweet, mild
Brandywine	0.5-1 lb	None	80-100 days	Complex, rich
Early Girl	0.25-0.5 lb	VFN	50-55 days	Bright, tangy

According to research from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, hybrid varieties like Goliath with VFN resistance demonstrate significantly higher survival rates in regions where soil-borne diseases are prevalent compared to heirloom varieties without these resistances (UC ANR). This makes Goliath particularly valuable for gardeners in areas with challenging soil conditions.

Optimal Planting Conditions for Maximum Growth

Goliath tomatoes thrive in warm conditions with abundant sunlight. These plants require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, though 8-10 hours produces the best results. Unlike some tomato varieties that can tolerate partial shade, Goliath's large fruit production demands maximum solar energy.

Soil preparation is critical for Goliath's success. These plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Before planting, amend your garden soil with 3-4 inches of well-rotted compost or aged manure, worked into the top 12 inches of soil. The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends adding a balanced organic fertilizer (such as 5-5-5) at planting time to support strong root development (UF IFAS).

Plant Goliath tomatoes after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures consistently reach at least 60°F (15.5°C). Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 4-5 feet apart to ensure adequate air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. When planting, bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves—this encourages additional root growth along the buried portion of the stem, creating a stronger root system to support those massive fruits.

Essential Care Practices for Healthy Plants

Watering correctly is perhaps the most crucial aspect of Goliath tomato care. These plants require consistent moisture—about 1-2 inches of water per week—but are particularly sensitive to uneven watering, which can cause blossom end rot or fruit cracking. Water deeply at the base of the plant early in the morning, aiming for the soil rather than the foliage to minimize disease risk. During fruit set and development, maintain consistent soil moisture without allowing the soil to become waterlogged.

Supporting Goliath plants is non-negotiable due to their indeterminate growth habit and heavy fruit production. Use one of these proven support methods:

• Florida weave: Ideal for multiple plants in a row, using stakes and twine to create a supportive grid
• Sturdy tomato cages: Minimum 6 feet tall with reinforced construction to handle heavy fruit
• Single stake method: Use 8-foot stakes driven 18 inches into the ground, tying plants every 12 inches

Pruning helps direct the plant's energy toward fruit production rather than excessive foliage. For Goliath plants, use the Missouri pruning technique: remove all suckers below the first flower cluster, then allow one leaf to remain when removing suckers above the first cluster. This provides some shade for developing fruit while maintaining good air circulation.

Disease and Pest Management Strategies

While Goliath offers excellent VFN resistance, it remains vulnerable to other common tomato issues. Implement these preventive measures:

• Rotate planting locations every 3 years to prevent soil-borne disease buildup
• Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (straw or shredded leaves) to prevent soil splash
• Water at soil level rather than overhead to keep foliage dry
• Remove lower leaves that touch the soil as plants grow

Common pests like tomato hornworms and aphids can be managed through integrated pest management approaches. The Cornell University Garden Diagnostic Clinic recommends hand-picking larger pests and using insecticidal soaps for aphid infestations (Cornell Garden Diagnostics). For severe pest problems, consider introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Goliath Tomatoes

Goliath tomatoes typically reach maturity 75-80 days after transplanting. The fruits will develop a uniform deep red color with no green shoulders when fully ripe. Unlike some large varieties that require picking while still slightly green, Goliath tomatoes can be left to ripen fully on the vine thanks to their firm flesh.

When harvesting, use a gentle twisting motion or cut the fruit from the vine with pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Handle these large fruits carefully—they're substantial enough that dropping them can cause bruising. For best flavor, allow tomatoes to ripen completely on the vine, but if heavy rain is forecast, pick nearly ripe fruits to prevent cracking.

Store harvested Goliath tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Never refrigerate tomatoes, as cold temperatures destroy flavor compounds and alter texture. Use within 3-5 days for peak flavor, or preserve through canning, freezing, or drying for longer storage.

Troubleshooting Common Goliath Tomato Problems

Even with proper care, gardeners sometimes encounter issues with Goliath tomatoes. Here's how to address the most frequent problems:

• Blossom end rot: Caused by calcium deficiency often triggered by uneven watering. Maintain consistent soil moisture and apply calcium spray during fruit set.
• Fruit cracking: Results from rapid moisture changes. Mulch heavily and water consistently, especially during dry spells followed by rain.
• Yellowing leaves: Could indicate nutrient deficiency (nitrogen) or early blight. Remove affected leaves and apply balanced fertilizer.
• Poor fruit set: Often due to extreme temperatures (above 90°F or below 55°F). Provide afternoon shade during heat waves and use row covers during cool periods.

According to data from the USDA Agricultural Research Service, blossom end rot affects approximately 15-20% of large-fruited tomato varieties in home gardens, with inconsistent watering being the primary contributing factor (USDA ARS). Implementing consistent watering practices can reduce this incidence by up to 70%.

Maximizing Your Goliath Tomato Harvest

To get the most from your Goliath tomato plants, consider these advanced techniques:

• Practice fruit thinning during the first harvest window by removing the smallest fruits, allowing remaining tomatoes to reach maximum size
• Apply a calcium-rich foliar spray during flowering and early fruit development
• Use compost tea every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for steady nutrient supply
• Provide afternoon shade during extreme heat (above 90°F) to prevent sunscald on ripening fruit

Many gardeners report that Goliath tomatoes perform exceptionally well in container gardening when given sufficient space. Use containers of at least 15-20 gallons with excellent drainage, and select a high-quality potting mix rather than garden soil. Container-grown plants will require more frequent watering and feeding than in-ground plants.

How big do Goliath tomato plants grow?

Goliath tomato plants are indeterminate, meaning they continue growing throughout the season until killed by frost. They typically reach 6-8 feet in height and require substantial support. Proper pruning helps manage their size while directing energy toward fruit production.

Are Goliath tomatoes good for canning?

Yes, Goliath tomatoes work well for canning due to their meaty texture and lower water content compared to many large varieties. Their balanced acidity makes them suitable for both water bath and pressure canning methods. Remove excess gel and seeds for best results in sauces and salsas.

Why are my Goliath tomatoes cracking?

Cracking in Goliath tomatoes typically occurs due to inconsistent watering practices. When plants experience drought followed by heavy watering or rain, the fruits absorb water rapidly, causing the skin to split. Maintain consistent soil moisture with regular deep watering and mulching to prevent this issue.

How many tomatoes does a Goliath plant produce?

A healthy Goliath tomato plant typically produces 15-25 large fruits (1-2 lbs each) per season under optimal conditions. Some exceptionally vigorous plants in ideal conditions may yield up to 30 fruits. The large size means fewer total fruits than smaller varieties, but significantly more total weight per plant.

Can Goliath tomatoes grow in containers?

Yes, Goliath tomatoes can grow successfully in containers with proper care. Use a container of at least 15-20 gallons with excellent drainage. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering and feeding than in-ground plants. Provide sturdy support and monitor soil moisture closely, as containers dry out faster than garden soil.