Description
| Seeds | 25 seeds $1.99, 100 seeds $4.75 |
|---|
Black Plum (Mahogany-Red Chutney/Sauce Tomato)
Heritage: Russia
This interesting Russian variety is used extensively as a paste tomato in Europe, however due to its smaller size and unique flavourings it has become our favourite base for chutney. First arrived to North America in the early 1990’s through Seed Savers Exchange USA.
Plants can grow to 6’ (180cm) high, consistently producing oblong 2” (5cm) fruit throughout the growing season. Skin has deep mahogany-brown shoulders, maturing to full black in hot, sunny weather. Flesh is equally coloured with tones of brown, pink and burgundy. Flavour is deep and rich, making it a perfect base for the sweeter chutneys using sugar, cinnamon, raisins and no end of imagination. Equally well suited for grilling on a kabob! Prolific dependable producer. Indeterminate. Matures in 70-80 days. (310 seeds/g)
Indeterminate plants are tall and sprawling continuing to grow and produce fruit until they are eventually killed by frost. This could be your preference if you are looking for a few tomatoes ripening at a time throughout the entire growing season. However, “a few” will vary with the variety you choose. It could mean three-four at a time for the larger varieties, or fifty-sixty at a time for the smaller crudités.
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).
