Solanum lycopersicum

• Great fresh or cooked
• Excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants
• Huge crops of unusual cherry tomatoes
• Adds deep rich colour to dishes
• Indeterminate (needs support), outdoors or greenhouse

Approx. 10 seeds

Sow and grow:

For greenhouse crops sow indoors, a warm kitchen windowsill is all you need for starting these seeds. Sow 0.5 cm (1/4") deep, thinly in a pot of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20 degree C (60-68 degree F) is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days. Transplant to individual pots when 10-15 cm (4-6") tall. Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. Plant out April to May, to large pots, growing bags or greenhouse border. Provide support, pinch out side shoots regularly and pinch out growing tip after 5-6 trusses have set.

For outdoor crops delay indoor sowing until March or April. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 45 cm (18") apart, when frosts are over. Harvest outdoor crops from August onwards.