25 seeds
Matures in 80 days
Type of growth: determinate Height 48 to 60 inches
Planting companions: Cabbage, Cucumber, Garlic, Chives, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot, Asparagus, Spinach
Poor companions: Potato and Pepper.
This cocktail-type variety stands out with its bluish color. It is not pink but rather a purplish, almost black hue when fully ripe. Its highly fruity flavor and great productivity make it our favorite.
Start your tomato seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected soil frost. Sow the seeds in a tray at 1/4" depth and about 1" apart. Keep the room temperature 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 grows, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and bury the stems as low as possible for optimal rooting. Don't forget to acclimate your plants a week before placing them in the garden to harden them. Note that tomatoes are not cold-tolerant and should not be planted in the garden until all threat of frost has passed.
Plant them in full sun in rich, well-drained soil, and again, bury the plants as low as possible to encourage 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 with a trellis or support, as it protects them from pests and diseases associated with excessive ground contact. As the plants start to grow, tie them to the support to aid their development. Temperatures below 12°C (55°F) can decrease production, so protect the plants if temperatures drop. Water the plants, but avoid wetting the leaves as much as possible to prevent yellowing. As soon as frost arrives, all tomatoes should be harvested, even the green ones. Unripe tomatoes will eventually ripen if kept in a warm place away from direct sunlight.