Description
| Seeds | 25 seeds $2.25, 100 seeds $4.95 |
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Principe Borghese (Red Drying Tomato)
Heritage: Southern Italy
Recorded growing in Southern Italy as early as 1910, this traditional sun-drying “pomodori secchi” variety is one of the most prolific we have come across.
Vigorous plants bear 100’s if not 1000’s of plum-shaped, oblong fruit growing 1-2” (2.5-5cm) long. Skin is bright red with a good full-fleshed interior. Full-bodied flavour is nicely captured when dried. We think it also makes an excellent salad tomato. Be warned – this plant will just not quit! The only way to remain guilt-free for leaving perfectly ripe fruits unpicked is to turn your head the other way as you walk by. Otherwise, be prepared to arm yourself with a basket each time you venture into your garden patch. Matures in 60-70 days. Semi-Determinate. (310 seeds/g)
Semi-Determinate plants grow a size midway between the determinate and indeterminate varieties, producing some fruit throughout the season, with more of their crop appearing at the end. These varieties are hard to classify due to their inconsistent growth habits, and behaviour when it comes to fruit bearing.
Tips for Growing Tasty Tomatoes!
Tomatoes are heat loving plants that can adapt themselves to almost any growing zone providing there is ample sunshine and the season is long enough to allow the fruits to fully mature. Start seeds indoors in small pots 6 weeks before last frost date by planting them just below the surface of the soil. As the weather warms, harden-off the plants by setting them outside in the sun for a few hours each day. When the ground has fully warmed and the season has stabilized transplant to a sunny area of the garden. Remove all yellow leaves and any buds or flowers that have formed. This allows the plant to concentrate on developing a good deep root system in its new home. Plant deep burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. Plants should be at least 12-18” (30-45cm) apart to allow for ample circulation and room to grow. Most tomatoes do best when support is provided either by using poles, cages or trellising. The most suitable companion plants for tomatoes are; asparagus, chives, onions, parsley, marigolds and carrots. Do not plant near potatoes, corn, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Tomatoes usually germinate within 5-7days (75-95ºF/24-35ºC).
