Organic 'Sundrops' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from Gaia seed company, a sweet and resistant cherry orange variety
Tomato 'Sundrops' is an indeterminate heirloom variety , producing an abundance of small, oval orange tomatoes . Juicy and sweet, it is ideal for snacking, in salads or in fresh sauces . Highly productive and resistant to cracking , it guarantees a bountiful harvest all season long.
Tomato type: oval cherry
Spread: Indeterminate habit, continuous growth
Plant height: 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per pack: ± 20 seeds
Companion plants: basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until maturity)
Enemy plants: potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Cultivation method
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out, then transplant to open ground after the last frost , when night temperatures are above 12°C . Plant 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4") deep , spacing plants 60-90 cm (24-36") apart and rows 120-180 cm (4-6') apart.
➤ Tip : When transplanting, reduce water and nitrogen to promote strong rooting. Staking is necessary to support this indeterminate variety.
Harvesting and storage
Harvest tomatoes when they reach a bright orange color and are slightly soft to the touch. For best taste, allow them to fully ripen on the vine before picking. Alternatively, harvest them at the first sign of color and allow them to finish ripening off the vine at 22°C.
Once harvested, tomatoes should be stored at room temperature , away from direct sunlight. It is best to avoid the refrigerator, as the cold alters their texture and taste by slowing down their ripening process.
If you want to extend their storage, place them in a cool place (12-21°C) with a relative humidity of 95% . You can also place them stem down on a tray , without them touching, to slow down their maturation and prevent them from spoiling too quickly.
Long-term preservation methods
Freezing: Cut them in half or freeze them whole for future use in sauces or soups
Drying: Slice them and let them dehydrate slowly to concentrate their flavors and use them as a garnish or snack
Preserve: prepare sauces, coulis or tomatoes marinated in olive oil with herbs for prolonged preservation
With its vibrant color, sweet taste and resistance to cracking , the 'Sundrops' Tomato is an excellent choice for a productive and tasty vegetable garden.
