Tomatoes used to be classified under the botanical name Lycopersicon esculentum. Research has provided evidence showing that tomatoes should be classified under the genus Solanum, which is where they now reside as Solanum lycopersicum.
Tomatoes are generally thought to be synonomous with Italian cooking, however, tomatoes are not native to the Mediterranean at all. Tomatoes are native to South America and did not reach Italy until the 1550's, which causes one to wonder what Italians ate before the arrival of this South American fruit. (Yes, tomatoes are technically fruits).
When Europeans were first introduced to the tomato, many thought that they were poisonous since they are in the deadly nightshade family. Unripe tomatoes have compounds in them that will cause an upset stomach. Luckily these compounds can be neutralized via a heat treatment, which is why eating fried green tomatoes will not cause any discomfort.
80-90 days. Juicy 1" cherry tomatoes produced on indeterminate vines. Vigorous, highly productive and disease resistant. We searched the world to find the best organic seed - Burpee fully guarantees that not a drop of synthetic chemicals was used to make these excellent seeds. Certified Organic Seed
| Plant Types: | Annual, Fruit, Vegetable |
| Light: | Full Sun |
| Height: | 1 foot 1 inch to 2 feet |
| Bloom Color: | Orange, Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall, Late fall |
| Special Features: | Edible, Not North American native |
| Type of Soil Preferred: | Humus-Rich, Loamy, Sandy, Well-Drained |
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Sow seeds 6 weeks before the last projected frost as spring arrives. Seeds tend to germinate best when the temperatures are kept between 75°F and 85°F. Tomatoes can be transplanted as well, so sowing seeds in pots with rich potting soil that can be moved during times of frost or extreme cold to a milder location is also recommended. These pot-grown tomatoes can be transplanted into the ground outside 1 to 2 weeks after the average last frost date in your region.
Plant more mature transplants so that a minimum of 2" of topsoil covers the main stem. This will promote root initiation along the main stem and will provide better support from wind.
Pick ripe tomatoes when they are full size, firm and fully colored. You can pick the fruit before they are fully colored, but this may result in a less satisfactory taste as the plants have had less time to pack the fruits with sugar and other desirable compounds. Tomatoes that are picked before they are fully ripe will ripen best when subjected to temperatures hovering around 75°F. Temperatures above 90°F will cause the fruits to not color properly and have soft, undesirable flesh.
Check the plants once per week for fruit ripeness. Be sure to discard any tomatoes that are over-ripe or rotting on the vine.
Tomatoes should be stored at around 55°F. Although they can be stored for longer in a refrigerator, the taste of the tomato will suffer as a result.
In hot climates small, fragile seedlings should be given some shade to protect them from sunburn. Although tomatoes require a minimum 6 hours of full sun for a hearty fruit set, it is recommended that they receive as much sun as possible to promote better flavor (generally 8 hours).
Caging or trellising is recommended for indeterminate tomatoes (these are tomatoes that continuously grow and are not bushy). This is to promote the plants to grow vertically, which promotes higher crop yields and better spacing abilities.
Does best with soils high in organic matter. Very important to have well-drained soils, but would be best to have some level of water retention. Consistently moist soils help to prevent blossom end rot as this will provide the roots with the ability to better absorb nutrients. Mulching is a great way to promote moisture retention in the soil.
Provide fertilizer to the soil before propagating the tomato. Directly after germination of the seeds or while the plants are still seedlings fertilize with diluted liquid fertilizer.
Blossom end rot is caused by calcium deficiency during fruit development. Recent research suggests that blossom end rot in tomatoes may be exacerbated by a deficiency with the essential element molybdenum and some would argue manganese as well. Luckily, both those elements are needed in such small quantities they rarely are a problem. Providing a complete liquid fertilizer right after the fruit has set generally will provide enough soil nutrition to promote healthier fruit development. Use a 5-5-5 fertilizer at the onset of the fruit. Fertilize once per month as the fruits develop on the plant.
Prone to tomato hornworms. Hornworms are green in color and have white diagonal stripes down their sides. They also will have a "horn" on their tail end. These are the larvae of a large moth that lays its eggs on the underside of the leaves. The larval stage of this insect is the one that can cause harm to the plant as they are voracious foliar feeders. They can eat enough leaf material to seriously affect the overall yield of the plants.
Tomatoes are also prone to wilts and the tobacco mosaic virus. Immediately remove any infected leaves.