Once known as “love apples” because they were thought to have aphrodisiac properties, tomatoes have high vitamin C content and are a good source of fibre.
They need a lot of sun, water, fertiliser and protection from the wind. They will wither and die quickly if frosted.
Choose a warm position in full sun away from strong winds in the garden or for a pot. Cultivate the soil and blend in Tui tomato food and compost before planting.
Alternatively choose a container at least two to three times the size of a kitchen bucket (20-30 litres) or use a Haxnicks tomato planter and fill with Tui tomato mix.
Seeds take about a month to germinate and to be ready for transplanting. If seeds are not sown before the end of October look for seedlings from a garden store or, for a range of varieties and types, buy single plants.
Depending on the variety, the plants produce an average three to six kilograms of fruit.
Campari is a new gourmet variety with intense flavour and colour. Plant them between 60 and 80 centimetres apart, if in rows, to allow plenty of air movement.
Most varieties other than dwarf plants require staking. Put the stake in the ground before planting so that the root ball is not snapped when inserting the stake. Tie the stems to the stake to provide support to the plant and to keep the fruit clean.
Keep soil or potting mix moist, but not wet at all times.
Regular applications of Tui tomato food for the garden or Maxfeed Tomatoes liquid feed for containers will boost plants’ growth and fruiting capacity.
Allow fruit to ripen on the plant for the best flavour, although tomatoes do ripen further once picked.
