Product Details
Rodòpi Greek (Red Large Slicing/Beefsteak)
Heritage: Greece (Eastern Region)
Another original Tomato from our fantastical 2004 “Tomato Travels” in Greece! A few years ago when we started up our new fields we pulled this treasure from storage and prayed for germination. Success, and what a Hercules this variety has proven to be!
Strong, vigorous plants produce luscious round fruit up to 4” (10cm) in diameter. Skin is velvety red with a superb interior. Just the right amount of flesh and juice. Fruit is firm and holds well. Flavour is divine! Honestly, I cannot imagine a summer that we would not grow these for their eating quality alone. True tomato freshness, with a perfect balance of acid and sugar. Perfectly acclimated and easy to grow with above average yields, even in our cooler Canadian climate. Green-picked fruit ripened indoors also retains a great flavour. Semi-Determinant. Matures in 90-100 days. (310 seeds/g)
Largest Rodòpi Tomato we grew: 13.2oz = just over 3/4 lb = 375g
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).
