Description
| Seeds | 25 seeds $1.99, 100 seeds $4.75 |
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Purple Calabash (Dark Purple Chutney/Slicing Tomato)
Heritage: Mexico
This unusual variety was identified as early as c.1600 in European herbalist literature, and was first recorded growing in the State of Virginia in 1782. However, it’s true origin in shape and colour has been accredited to pre-Columbian Mexico.
Plants are tall and vining producing a bumper crop of highly ruffled 3” (7.5cm) diameter fruits. The thin skin is dark purple-pink, blushing bronze-chocolate brown when ripe. Aside from it’s unconventional appearance, this variety is best identified by its strong, intense flavour. Sometimes compared to a dark roast coffee, the overall palate experience is highly memorable with a dark, acidic snap. Perfect for use in a stand-out chutney! Although, I must say there are a few dedicated aficionados that embrace it as the best slicing tomato they have ever tasted. Drought tolerant. Semi-Determinate. Matures in 80-90 days. (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 finishing 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).
