Tomato - Mule Team (IND)

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
Unavailable
Approximately 405 seeds per gram
(Lycopersicum esculentum)
Lot# TM35128
The Mule Team tomato is an old heirloom variety.  It has been grown by generations of gardeners and recently reestablished a popular tomato simply because of its enduring qualities. These indeterminate plants grow strong vigorous vines that can easily reach 2-2.5m (6-8’) tall with a 50-61cm (20-24”) spread.  This tomato variety must be staked and pruned to achieve its full potential.   Mule Team produce vigorous fruit sets that develop into round, medium-sized, red globes that weigh 226-340g (8-12oz) and between 6-7.5cm  (2-1/2 - 3") across. They are meaty tomatoes with a fine texture that have a sweet, mild flavor. Tomatoes are produced continuously until frost on these sturdy plants.  It is a great choice for a main crop tomato production. We use Velcro strips to tie up both determinate and indeterminate varieties and they are reusable year after year.
Planting Instructions:
  • Start indoors mid-March to early April. Plant 2-3 seeds 6mm (1/4”) deep in good potting mix in 7-10cm (3-4”) pots. It is best to keep tomato seedlings under very light to prevent plants from becoming too leggy. You may have to transplant seedlings to larger pots to allow for root growth. When transplanting outside, allow 45cm (18”) between plants and 60-76cm (24-30”) between rows. Germination takes approximately 6-14 days. Transplant deeply to the first set of leaves after the risk of frost has passed. Thin to the strongest plant. The seeds require warm soil between roughly 21-26°C (70-80° F). Warmer soils will promote faster germination.  Keep soil moist, but not soggy while awaiting germination. Moderate watering will suffice once seedlings break through the soil. Select a well-drained location that receives lots of sunlight after the last frost to transplant from pots.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Soil PH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.3-6.5 
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds 6-12mm (¼-½") deep.
  • Germination:  6-14 days.
  • Height at Maturity:  2-2.5m (6-8’) tall.  Spread:   50-61cm (20-24”) across.
  • Days to Maturity:   78-85 days.  
  • Watering:   Tomato plants are heavy feeders especially when they have fruit growing.  Proper watering is tricky as you have to water deeply and then let the soil dry out slightly but still remain slightly moist and then water deeply again.  Keep watering schedule consistent throughout the growing season and you will not be disappointed.  Moisture is critical to prevent cracked fruits and blossom end rot.   Mulch the soil around tomato plants to help reduce water evaporation and use drip irrigation.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:  Set transplants 121-152cm (4-5’)   in rows 90-120cm (36-48”).
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated seeds. Harvest fruit when they are the desired size, colour and firmness.  In general, perfectly ripe tomatoes show deep color but still feel firm when gently squeezed.  Tomatoes do continue to ripen after being picked. Gently grab and twist until the tomato pulls free from the stem, or use a pair of clippers. Cut stems close to fruits.  Always store picked tomatoes at room temperature indoors, or in a shady place outside. Never refrigerate tomatoes, because temperatures below 12.8° C (55° F) cause flavor compounds to break down.