Description
| Seeds | 25 seeds $1.99, 100 seeds $4.75 |
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Cuatomate (Small Red Cherry Tomato)
Heritage: Oaxaca, Mexico
The parent seed of this variety came from the Zapotec Collection of J.L.Hudson in 2004. The Zapotecs, “People of the Clouds”, are located deep in the Sierra Madre del Sur, in southern Oaxaca, Mexico. The seed we are offering is from our acclimated Ontario grow-outs of this indigenous home garden tomato.
Medium-sized vining plants produce an ongoing supply of small, round current-type tomatoes less than 1” (2.5cm) in diameter until frost. Skin matures from orange to red. Taste is hard to describe varying between sweet and tart all in one mouthful. Interesting to try if you are looking for something new in a cherry variety. Note: This variety retains hints of its non-cultivated past. Don’t plan on being able to contain the desire of the vines to roam. Can take up to 2 weeks to germinate. Semi-Determinate. Matures in 60-70 days. (750 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).
