TOMATO Red Fig - 15+ Heirloom Seeds
85
days to maturity. Open Pollinated. Plant produces heavy yields of 4cm bright
red pear-shaped tomatoes. They are sweet and flavorful. Perfect fresh eating
right off the vine or in salads, or culinary creations. It can be dried and
preserved for winter use. In the past, they were dried and packed away for
winter use in substitute of figs. The plant will produce hundreds of tomatoes.
A heirloom variety dating back to the 1700s. Excellent choice for home
gardens.
This
is an INDETERMINATE variety and as such requires vines support or climbing
frame.
Tomatoes
contain a nutrient called lycopene that has been shown in studies to help
protect against breast, pancreatic, prostate, and intestinal cancers, and may
help to reduce the risk of heart attacks. They are also a source of Vitamins C,
A and E, potassium, and fibre.
Tomato Growing Instructions & Care
Tomatoes
are a warm season, frost tender annual plants. Seeds require a warm soil of between 18 - 28°C to germinate. Sowing at too low a temperature will cause delayed
or failed germination.
When to Sow
Temperate Area: sow in early spring - either
inside with extra bottom heat by using a bottom heat propagator, behind a sunny
window or on top of a hot water system; if sowing outside wait until all
frost danger has passed and the soil
is warm. Generally, if starting tomato seeds inside then begin 6 to 8 weeks
before the last expected frost date in your area. By sowing early there will be
time for a good crop to be produced before the first frost in winter.
Subtropical Area: sow March - October in frost-free areas
Tropical Area: sow late April - July.
Hot & Humid Area: On extremely hot days tomatoes
can literally 'cook' on the vine and turn to mush. Tomatoes also can suffer
sunburn; a white shade cloth cover can help reduce heat stress on the plants.
The hardiest tomatoes for hot and humid conditions are Cherry and Roma types. For a
round tomato Tropic is a good choice as it is disease resistant.
Seed Sowing & Care
Sow
6 mm deep into seed raising mix in seedling pots or trays. Germination takes 7
- 14 days. Liquid feed the seedlings once germinated. Seedlings are ready to
transplant when the 2nd set of 'true' leaves appear. During seedling
development make sure the seedlings are not crowded and receive strong light.
Seedlings become leggy (etiolated) with weak stems if the light is insufficient
or if they are too crowded. The best seedlings have strong, stout stems.
Seedlings
should be planted out in a full sun position after all frost danger has passed.
Plant
in rows 90 cm apart with 45 - 60 cm between plants.
Transplant
by planting seedlings deeper, up to the first set of 'true' leaves, first
carefully removing the seed leaves. This speed up fruit production and
increases root depth.
Grow
in a fertile, well-drained garden bed with a soil pH 5.8 - 7. Prepare the soil
by adding compost. If stakes are required, then put them at the same time as
transplanting takes place to avoid later root disturbance. Providing support to
keep fruit clear of the ground helps keep fruit clean and prevents slug and
snail damage. Mulch the plants well. Keep well fertilized and evenly watered.
Fertilizer: Tomatoes
are generally heavy feeders, requiring soil rich in organic matter and
nutrients. Tomatoes planted in minimally fertile soils should be regularly
fertilized to keep their N-P-K levels consistent. Excessive nitrogen produces
fast green growth but inhibits fruiting. Keeping this in mind, choose a
fertilizer that's low in nitrogen levels and higher in phosphorus and
potassium. Examples of suitable N-P-K ratios for tomatoes include 8-32-16 and
6-24-24.
Protect
fruit from fruit fly with PestGuard Bags.
Avoid
planting in garden beds that have grown tomatoes, potatoes, capsicums or
eggplants recently. We do not recommend
pruning as it reduces yields but it can be useful in making plants much easier
to stake.
For
blemish-free fruit provide adequate spacing, thin out excess growth for good
airflow and water consistently.
A propagation note will be supplied
with the seed packet for your convenience.
Terms & Conditions:
Postage: Postage is FREE on all additional items of the SAME item. Maximum postage is $2.95 for some bulkier items, if the order value is less than $40. We provide FREE POSTAGE Australia wide on each order above $40 for Australian customers.
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