Tomato Tropical Ruby is a variety (semi-determinate) producing attractive oval shaped, bright red coloured fruits. High sugar content gives an excellent sweet flavour. Popular amongst gardeners and you will also see this variety at the green grocers. Fruit: red, oblong, 12-16 grams. SOW: Sow indoors 5 weeks before expected last frost. HARVEST: Approximately 20 weeks to crop. WHERE TO SOW: Requires a sunny sheltered spot, with well drained fertile soil. Preferably will have been manured the previous year, but if not a general fertiliser can be used 2 weeks before planting. Beware planting near potatoes or manuring just before planting.
1 Packet Contains 7 Seeds
Tomatoes are sub-tropical plants introduced from S. America in the 16th century. They favour a full sun position, and do well in raised beds.
We recommend to start tomatoes off indoors or under glass and then 2 weeks after the last frost, move them outside. Aim for a 7 week period between sowing and moving outside, meaning that you should be sowing them indoors 5 weeks prior to last expected frost.
Perepare the tomato bed with plenty of organic material in the months prior to planting out the seedlings. In the week before transplanting dig the bed over thoroughly.
Prior to transplanting drive a strong stake into the ground about 5cm from where the plant will be. The stake needs to be at least 25cm into the ground to avoid risk of the plant toppling over under the weight of fruit, later in the season.
When transplanting, dig a hole 40cm deep (or same depth as pot) and water well if soil is dry. Take care to keep the root-ball intact as far as possible when removing the plant from the pot, place in hole and fill edges with soil. A thin layer of new soil can cover the old surface layer of the soil from the pot.
Tie loosely to the stake.
The soil for a tomato bed should be a mixture of potting compost and top soil.
Ongoing care involves feeding weekly with a liquid based tomato fertiliser, watering often, weeding and adjusting ties to the stake.
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