About
This sprawling annual climber, normally trained with support as a single-stemmed cordon. Has aromatic, dark green, divided foliage and small clusters of yellow flowers in summer and autumn, followed by very large (up to 500g), slightly ribbed, uniform, red, beefsteak tomatoes.
About the genus
Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClimbing, Columnar upright, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Care notes
CultivationStart from seed, or buy as small plants, and grow on in a heated greenhouse or on a well-lit windowsill. Can be moved to an unheated greenhouse, or a sunny, sheltered position outdoors, once all risk of frost has passed. Water regularly, feed once the first flowers have set, and provide support. See tomato cultivation. For help with diagnosing tomato problems see our video What's gone wrong with my tomatoes?
PruningRemove all side shoots as soon as they develop, and the tip of the plant once it reaches the top of the support, or after six trusses have set
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and tomato moth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), potato blight, tomato blight, tomato leaf mould, tomato viruses, magnesium deficiency and blossom end rot. See Tomatoes: leaf problems