Tomato - Silvery Fir (DET)

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
Unavailable
Approximately 405 seeds per gram.
Lycopersicum esculentum
Lot# TM35146
Silvery Fir Tree tomato is a  delicate early season tomato. A determinate Russian variety which is famous for its unique, small delicate foliage and steady production of rich flavored medium sized scarlet red fruit between 5-7 cm (2-3”).  It is a bush type tomato plant that grows to about 61 cm (24") high. This tomato variety thrives in pots and in the garden. 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 6 mm (1/4”) deep in good potting mix in 7-10 cm (3-4”) pots. It is best to keep tomato seedlings under very bright light to prevent plants from becoming too leggy. Then grow from 6-8 weeks at around 10°C (50°F).   You may have to transplant seedlings to larger pots to allow for root growth. When transplanting outside, allow 45 cm (18”) between plants and 60-76 cm (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 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. Sasha’s Altai is a determinate vine that grows to 45-61 cm (18-24”) tall.  Tomato cages work well to support the plant and the tomato yields with this tomato plant.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Soil PH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.3-6.5 
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds 6-12 mm (¼-½") deep.
  • Germination:  6-14 days.
  • Height at Maturity:  45-61 cm (18-24”).  Spread:  Varying
  • Days to Maturity:   55-60 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 45 cm (18”) part in rows 60-76 cm (24-30”).
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated seeds. One of the most remarkable ornamental tomatoes we have grown. The distinctive ferny foliage is finely dissected almost like carrot foliage. The plants are small, growing to around 45-61 cm (18-24”) tall.  The Silvery Fir Tree tomato plant is an early producer that is quite bushy and bountiful. Producing abundant oblate orange red fruits that measure about 5-7 cm (2-3”) across.  It is a perfect selection for containers or a small garden.  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.