Heirloom Rainbow Tomato Seed Mix
Introducing our Heirloom Rainbow Tomato Seed mix, a curated assortment that pays homage to the timeless charm of classic heirloom varieties. Within this blend, you'll find a vibrant spectrum of tomatoes, each embodying a rich history and unique flavor.
From the robust Brandywine with its large, pink fruit to the sun-kissed Jaune Flamme, reminiscent of golden sunshine, these seeds promise a harvest that tells a story of heritage and taste. Experience the juicy sweetness of the Green Zebra, the velvety texture of the Black Krim, and the exceptional balance of acid and sweetness in the Mortgage Lifter.
With our Heirloom Rainbow blend, your garden will flourish with a diverse array of tomatoes, each contributing its distinct character to your culinary creations. Cultivate the essence of tradition and flavor with this handpicked assortment, ensuring a colorful and delicious harvest for your homegrown bounty.
Seed count: 30
Botanic name:
Lycopersicon esculentum
Plant spacing:
Various - As a rule of thumb, plant each plant 2.5'-3' apart.
Color:
These seeds will grow a variety of tomatoes in various reds, pinks, golds, greens, yellows, and bicolored varieites.
Sowing depth:
1/8"
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
Heirloom tomatoes come in a variety of colors and shapes. Use them to make refreshing and colorful tomato salads. Create stunning variations of colorful bruschetta. You can also make different colors of tomato sauces, colorful stews, and much more.
Frost Hardy:
No
Maturity days:
80-110 days
Life cycle:
Perennial
Can I start indoors?
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Determinate or indeterminate:
Determinate and inderterminate
Growing Instructions:
**I. Growing Tomatoes from Seed :**
1. **Start Seeds Indoors:** Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Use a seed starting mix and sow seeds about ¼ inch deep.
2. **Provide Light and Warmth:** Place the seed trays in a warm location with plenty of sunlight or under grow lights. Maintain a temperature of around 70-75°F, a germination mat works perfect for this.
3. **Water Regularly:** Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. **Transplant Seedlings:** When seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
**II. Transplanting Tomato Seedlings/Plants:**
1. **Choose a Sunny Location:** Select a location with full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily).
2. **Prepare the Soil:** Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Amend with compost or aged manure.
3. **Harden Off Seedlings:** Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the duration over a week.
4. **Dig Holes:** Dig holes slightly deeper than the root ball of the seedlings/plants. Space plants 2-3 feet apart depending on the variety.
5. **Plant Deeply:** Bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves, encouraging the development of additional roots.
6. **Water Thoroughly:** Water deeply after transplanting to help settle the soil around the roots.
**III. Caring for Tomatoes after Transplanting**
1. **Watering:**
* Water deeply and infrequently, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week.
* Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage diseases.
* Water in the morning so the leaves have time to dry out before evening.
2. **Fertilizing:**
* Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer formulated for tomatoes.
* Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label.
* Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
3. **Staking or Caging:**
* Support tomato plants with stakes, cages, or trellises to keep the fruits off the ground and prevent the plants from sprawling.
* This also improves air circulation and reduces the risk of diseases.
4. **Pruning:**
* Prune indeterminate tomato varieties (those that continue to grow throughout the season) by removing the "suckers" - the small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches.
* This helps focus the plant's energy on fruit production.
* Determinate varieties (those that stop growing at a certain height) generally require less pruning.
5. **Mulching:**
* Mulch around the base of the plants with straw, shredded leaves, or other organic material.
* Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool.
6. **Pest and Disease Control:**
* Monitor plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases.
* Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms.
* Common diseases include blight, wilt, and blossom end rot.
* Take action promptly if you see any problems. Organic or chemical control options are available.
7. **Harvesting:**
* Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe and have reached their full color.
* Gently twist or snip the fruits from the vine.
* Enjoy your homegrown tomatoes!
**Additional Tips:**
* Consider planting different tomato varieties for a longer harvest season and a variety of flavors.
* Rotate your tomato planting location each year to help prevent soil-borne diseases.
* If you experience problems, consult your local garden center or extension service for advice.
With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious homegrown tomatoes. Happy gardening!
