Description
| Seeds | 25 seeds $1.99, 100 seeds $4.75 |
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Trophy (Red Slicing Tomato)
Heritage: Maryland, USA
Developed in Maryland in the 1850’s, Trophy was one of the first round, fresh-eating quality tomatoes for household gardens. It became a household name in the mid 1870’s when Col. George Waring of New Port, Rhode Island embarked on a get-rich-quick scheme by selling the seed for a whopping $5 per package with the promise of a $100 reward for the largest tomato grown. Unfortunately for Col. Waring, seed companies picked-up on his idea and started selling the seed with promises of their own.
Medium sized plants produce a large crop of firm, red fruits up to 3″ (7.5cm) in diameter. Flesh is sweet, juicy, and mild. It has a gentle tomato flavour that is easy to digest. Skin is not too thick. The reward for this variety is definitely in the growing and tasting! Perfect for sandwiches and salads. One of our favourites! 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).
