25 seeds
Matures in 80 days
Growth type: Indeterminate
Companion planting: Cabbage, cucumber, garlic, chives, basil, lettuce, carrot, asparagus, spinach, ...
Poor companions: Potato, bell pepper, ...
This ancestral variety, generously fleshy, is perfectly sweet and excellent whether cooked or raw. Its heart-shaped form gives it its name. It is sweet, mild, and flavorful, in addition to containing few seeds.
Start your tomato seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Plant the seeds in a tray at 1/4" depth and about 1" apart. Keep the room temperature at around 20°C (70°F) until germination. Also, provide adequate light with a grow light or in front of a sunny window; keep the soil moist, but ensure proper drainage. When the second set of leaves emerges, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and bury the stems as low as possible for optimal rooting. Remember to acclimate your plants a week before placing them in the garden to harden them. Be cautious; tomatoes do not tolerate cold and should not be placed in the garden until all threat of frost is eliminated.
Plant in full sun in rich, well-drained soil, and once again, bury the plants as low as possible to promote rooting. If you provide them with a trellis, space your plants about 2 feet apart; however, if you prefer to let the plants spread, space them 3 to 4 feet apart.
Tomatoes often perform better when they have a trellis or support, as this protects them from pests and diseases associated with excessive ground contact. As the plants begin to grow, tie them to the support to aid their development. Temperatures below 12°C (55°F) can decrease production, so you'll need to protect the plants if temperatures drop. Water the plants but avoid wetting the leaves as much as possible to prevent them from yellowing. As soon as frost arrives, all tomatoes must be harvested, even the green ones. Unripe tomatoes will eventually ripen if stored in a warm place away from direct sunlight.
