Product Details

The flavour of these plump round slicers is sensational, balancing sweetness and acidity perfectly. Tasti-Lee's 170-250g (6-9oz) fruits contain up to 40% more of the antioxidant lycopene than most other tomatoes. Extra-firm, glossy red tomatoes hold their quality well for weeks after harvest.

These seeds are coated with an inert, organically certified layer which helps to minimize clumping in storage and seed sowing machines. The coating is approved by organic certifiers in Canada, the US, EU, and Japan.

• Outstanding tomato flavour
• Very long shelf life
• Concentrated set
• Determinate (bush) plants
• Matures in 75 days
• Hybrid seeds

All About Tasti-Lee Coated

Difficulty

Moderately challenging

Timing

Start indoors in early spring over bottom heat. When seedlings germinate, remove from the heat and grow under bright lights. Grow seedlings on for 6-8 weeks at around 10°C (50°F). Early season tomatoes can be planted out once night time temperatures are reliably above 7°C (45°F) - or later. Other types should be transplanted out when night time lows are 10°C (50°F) or warmer - or later. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 25-35°C (68-95°F). With bottom heat seeds should germinate in 7-14 days.

Starting

Sow seeds 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep. Keep seedlings under very bright light to prevent legginess. You may have to pot on seedlings more than once before they go out to allow for root growth. Space bush (determinate) transplants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart and vine (indeterminate) types 50-75cm (20-30″) apart in rows 1m (3′) apart.

Days to Maturity

From transplant date.

Growing

Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. Tomatoes like fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Dig in finished compost and manure, and add 1 cup balanced organic fertilizer beneath each transplant. Tomatoes require full sun and lots of heat. Vine varieties will require support, such as a wire or trellis. Bush types benefit from tomato cages to prevent sprawling. At the time of final transplant, plants can be buried up to their first pair of true leaves to encourage root growth.

Stop watering around the end of July to encourage fruit ripening. If tomato plants are grown under cover, encourage pollination by tapping the stem to self-pollinate.

Harvest

Harvest when the fruit is the desired colour. Green tomatoes can be ripened indoors at a cool temperature when blemish-free.

Seed Info

At least 75% of seeds will germinate in optimal conditions. Usual seed life: 3 years.

Diseases & Pests

Blossom End Rot is caused by a calcium deficiency due to uneven watering. Regular watering and soil amendments like bonemeal and lime help prevent it. Late Blight, caused by fungal infection, is prevented with copper sprays and keeping plants dry. Flea beetles may damage young plants, but floating row covers provide protection.

Companion Planting

Tomatoes benefit from being planted near asparagus, basil, beans, carrots, celery, garlic, lettuce, onions, parsley, and peppers. Avoid Brassicas, dill, and potatoes. Keep away from walnut trees.