£0.79
Alicante stands out as a top-tier tomato variety, encompassing all the desirable qualities we seek in tomatoes. This superior cultivar delivers an exceptional yield of rich, full-bodied flavor. Renowned for its popularity, Alicante matures early, presenting a consistent crop of medium-sized, fleshy fruits in the early part of the season. It thrives in various settings, whether planted directly in the soil or in grow bags.
An esteemed heritage variety and cherished among English gardeners, Alicante made its debut in 1966, representing an enhancement of the well-established ‘Moneymaker’ type. The fruits, weighing approximately 70 to 90 grams, showcase robust resistance to mildew and greenback, ensuring even ripening. Alicante is highly recommended for beginners and serves as an ideal choice for children to cultivate. Given their susceptibility to frost, meticulous timing in sowing and planting outdoors is crucial for the successful cultivation of these tomatoes.
Aproximately 10-12 Seeds
In stock
Sowing & Growing
For optimal tomato cultivation, consider the following guidelines: When sowing seeds under cover or indoors, aim for transplanting them outside approximately three weeks after the last frost date, typically around seven weeks from the initial sowing. For instance, if the last frost date is early May, begin planting seeds in early April to facilitate transplanting by the end of May. Tomatoes thrive in full sun, so prepare the soil by incorporating abundant organic matter about two to three weeks before planting. An ideal soil mix for containers consists of half potting compost and half soil-based loam.
Sowing Process: Plant tomato seeds approximately 3mm deep in small pots filled with seed starting compost. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 5-10 days in an optimal temperature range of 21-27°C. Once seedlings emerge, place them in a well-lit location with a slightly cooler temperature.
Transplanting: When the plants develop their first true leaves and before they become root-bound, transplant them into larger 4-inch pots. Protect young plants from frost and sunburn, using a makeshift greenhouse with a large plastic milk jug. Depending on compost components, consider fertilizing sparingly with a weak dilution.
Final Planting: Drive a sturdy stake into the ground 5cm from the planting position, ensuring it is at least 30cm deep and 1.2m above ground. Tie the main stem to the support stake as the plant grows. Dig holes 45cm apart, plant the tomatoes, and tie the stems loosely to the support stake with soft garden twine.
Cultivation: Maintain consistent moisture levels to prevent fruit splitting. Feed with a liquid tomato fertilizer high in potash as the first fruits form, repeating every two to three weeks until the end of August. In September, switch to a general fertilizer higher in nitrogen to support foliage.
Pruning: Pinch out side shoots between the main stem when the first fruits form and remove lower yellowing leaves to prevent infection.
Harvesting: Pick ripe fruits promptly to encourage continuous production. Harvest all fruit if frost is imminent and allow them to ripen on a windowsill.
| Packet Size | Aproximately 10-12 Seeds |
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