Tomato - Siletz (DET)

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CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
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Approximately 250-380  seeds per gram.
Solanum lycopersicum​
Lot# TM35162
Siletz tomato is a vigorous, semi determinate variety that grows to 1.5 m (4.8’) tall with a 40-51 cm (16-20”) wide spread.  Staking and tying will be required to help support the plants’ heavy yields of 10-12 cm (4-5”) deep red slicing tomatoes that weigh up to 200-454 g (7-16) ounces each. The flavor-packed red tomatoes are nearly seedless.  Siletz plants are an open-pollinated variety and the first tomatoes are usually parthenocarpic, meaning that they do not produce seeds within the first several tomatoes. However, the final crop at the end of the season usually does produce a few seeds. 
Siletz is a well-adapted variety to our northern climate.
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 bright 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 45-90cm (18-36”) between plants and 61-90cm (24-36”) between rows. Germination takes approximately 7-14 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 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:  7-14 days.
  • Height at Maturity:   1.5 m (4.8’) tall with a 40-51 cm (16-20”) spread.
  • Days to Maturity:   52-75 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 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 60-90cm (24-36”) apart, in rows 45-90cm (18-36”) apart.
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated seeds. Harvest fruit when they are the desired size, color 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.