Tomato – Scotia

Growing tips

Germination conditions:

• sowing depth: 5 mm
• optimum germination temperature: 21 to 32ºC
• germination time: 7 to 14 days

When to sow:

• indoor sowing 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your region

Sowing technique: in pocket

In the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds, spacing them about 1 to 2 cm apart. When the seeds have germinated and the seedlings are 5 cm tall, keep all the plants if space is available, or keep only the best-looking ones. Transplant into individual containers while waiting to be transplanted into the garden.

Transplanting in the garden:

• when there is no longer any risk of frost (10 consecutive frost-free days): after coating the plants outdoors for a few days, add compost to the planting hole. Remove the lower leaves on the plant, then bury the plant upright or on its side, leaving about 10 cm of stem above ground. Water in. Install support (stake, cage, rope) as required.

Distance in the garden:

• between plants: 45 to 60 cm
• between rows: 75 to 90 cm

Plant height: 90 cm (approx.)

Soil: rich in organic matter and well drained

Water: water regularly until the fruit begins to ripen, then space out the watering to encourage ripening and to avoid diminishing the fruit’s flavour. Avoid irregular watering and fluctuation between periods of drought and excessive watering. This can (partly) prevent blossom end rot.

Exposure: full sun

Days to harvest (after transplanting): 70 days

General information on tomatoes:

• Indeterminate (climbing) plants continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season, whereas determinate varieties generally produce their fruit within a defined period of time and have a bushy habit.
• Pot cultivation possible in containers of around 40-45 liters, 40-45 cm wide and 40-45 cm deep.

Planting recommendations:

• Rotate the garden every year or space out plantings in the same spot every other year to prevent certain soil-borne diseases.
• After planting, mulch at the base of the plants to maintain constant humidity and reduce the presence of disease.
• Apply a natural fertilizer 3 to 4 times during the summer season, avoiding those too rich in nitrogen, which encourage foliage growth to the detriment of fruit.