This variety was handed to us by friend and seed steward Rowan White at a seed swap many years ago. Originally a Heintz variety, it was maintained by a Montana grower for over 20 years selecting for early maturity and a compact shape. In the field it often seemed as though there was more tomato than plant to them. The very short (2-2.5’) bushy plants are nearly solid bricks of fruit starting to ripen very early and continuing for us until frost or blight does them in. In drier climates I would grow them without support, but with our maritime moisture and blight pressure, we’d recommend doing your best to keeping them as upright as possible. The fleshy fruit purees to a very creamy sauce with classic paste flavor. Very rare. Determinate. 70 days. UO
Transplant out after danger offrost (50+F nighttime temps).
Note: Don't start too early or plants will be leggy and root-bound! Tomatoes do well in clay to loam soils.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/8-1/4"
SPACING:
18" spacing in rows 5' apart.
EMERGENCE:
10-14 days @ soil temp 70-85F
LIGHT:
Full sun
FERTILITY:
Medium-Heavy. Prefers well-drained, well-balanced fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. Note that excess Nitrogen will encourage foliage, not fruit! Low calcium and irregular watering will result in blossom end rot.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Row cover may be used for extra warmth and possible earlier fruit set.
Irregular watering can result in blossom end rot.
Plant deeply to encourage healthy root structure.
Indeterminate varieties may benefit from pruning suckers to encourage air flow, plant health, and energy towards plant top and fruit.
