Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Sweetie Tomatoes earned their name rightfully for their unusually high sugar content, which can be 11 to 15% higher than other tomato varieties! This variety is a highly prolific producer, growing clusters of firm, 1 to 2 inch, bite size cherry tomatoes that are irresistible eaten ripe off the vine. Sweetie Tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they will continue to produce fruits throughout the lifespan of the plant, rather than setting fruits once like a determinate variety. Maturing in as little as 65 days, these tomatoes are a great addition to anyone’s garden and kitchen. Use these little sweeties in fresh salads, canned for later use, sauteed or roasted, or simmered in a homemade tomato sauce. Cooking these tomatoes further releases their natural sugars, adding a rich and complex flavor to any dish. Try using Sweetie Tomatoes along side Genovese Basil for a classic flavor combo that everyone will enjoy!
NAME: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
VARIETY: Sweetie
DAYS TO MATURITY: 65 – 70 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 11
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Fertile, loose, well-draining soil with a pH 6.5 – 6.9
PLANT HEIGHT: 48 – 60 inches
SPACING: 24 – 36 inches apart
TEMP: 55 – 95 °
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last local spring frost in cell trays with seed starting soil mix.
Plant 1 to 2 seeds per cell, 1/4 inch deep, and water in well.
Ensure soil temps remain above 70ºF, using a heat mat under the trays if needed. Germination will occur in 9 to 15 days.
Once seedlings emerge, provide adequate light from LED/fluorescent grow lights, 4 inches above seedlings on 16 hours, off 8 hours.
When the second set of leaves emerge on the seedlings, thin the cells to one seedling per cell.
Transplant these individual seedlings into their own 5×5 inch pots, burying the stems up to the lowest set of leaves; this will promote strong root growth and give the plant space to grow.
Before transplanting outdoors, harden off seedlings for several days. Do this by taking them outside during the day and bringing them in at night (Outside temps should be above 50°F when you start this process).
When the soil temps are above 60°F, transplant the seedlings spaced 2 feet apart, burying the entire stem up to the lowest set of leaves.
Put supports in place before the seedling develop their vines; you will want to tie the vines to the support structure as they grow to support their development.
In warmer, southern climates where the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C), Sweetie Tomato seeds can be started outdoors.
Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.
Cover the seeds lightly with soil and gently pat down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Water the seeds thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Tomatoes cannot endure cold weather and prefer a full sun area of the garden.
Prepare your bed by removing any large rocks, weeds or debris and ensure you have very fertile, loose, loam soil that is well draining.
It is recommended to provide a strong study trellis or cage for tomatoes to grow up to protect them from various pests and diseases, in addition to supporting the weight of the tomatoes as they grow and making maintenance easier.
Feed tomatoes a nitrogen fertilizer like blood meal until they start to flower, then switch to a phosphorus/potassium fertilizer like bone meal for bloom and fruit development.
If temps drop below 55ºF, protect the plants with burlap or greenhouse plastic to avoid damage.
A thick layer of mulch around the plant helps conserve soil moisture and control weeds.
Heavily water the plants twice a week, but avoid getting the leaves wet.
Pruning the “suckers” or shoots that grow between the main stem and the branches, will greatly improve the production and strength of the plant.
Harvest Sweetie Tomatoes when they reach full maturity and develop their characteristic red color.
Gently twist or cut the ripe tomatoes from the vine, taking care not to damage the plant.
Store harvested tomatoes at room temperature until fully ripe, then refrigerate any remaining tomatoes to extend their shelf life.
