When looking for the perfect early cropping tomato varieties, UK gardeners face unique challenges, courtesy of the region's distinct climate. With cool springs and often unpredictable weather, tomato growing here demands insight.
Beyond the thermometer, factors like soil warmth and sunlight exposure are pivotal. Our focus here on early cropping varieties means you'll gain the knowledge to unearth the secrets to an early harvest.
Selecting Tomato Varieties for Early Cropping
When you're trying to find the perfect early cropping tomato for your garden, the variety you choose can make all the difference. Early cropping varieties are prized for their ability to produce fruit quickly.
Popular Early Cropping Tomato Varieties in the UK
The UK gardening community adores a few standout varieties for early cropping. Let's spotlight some champions:
'Bloody Butcher': This is a bushy dynamo that pumps out sweet, juicy fruits at a rapid pace.
'Sungold': A trailing wonder, ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes.
'Rubinka': Its vibrant, red cherries are a sight to behold and a treat to taste.
The 'Sungold' tomato is a popular cherry variety celebrated for its exceptional sweetness and vibrant golden-orange colour. The small, cherry sized fruits are known for their very sweet and fruity taste, often considered one of the best among cherry tomatoes...
Growth Habit - Cordon.
Each of these varieties can promise an early harvest that's both timely and plentiful. Expect fruits as early as 60 days after planting for some varieties when grown correctly !
Starting Seeds Indoors vs. Outdoors
When wanting an early tomato crop.... Sow Indoors, you gain a head start, safeguarding seedlings from late frosts.
Seed Starting Tips
Now, let's get those seeds going. You'll want to sow them about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Keep them snug at 18°C, and they'll need loads of light—think bright but not direct sunlight. Small pots or seed trays with seed-starting mix are perfect homes for these little guys.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Early Tomato Harvest
Let's face it. There's nothing quite like the taste of a home-grown tomato, ripe and warm from your own garden. At SimplySeed, we're big fans of early cropping tomatoes, and we're here to help you get a head start on the season.
Key Takeaway: Growing early cropping tomatoes from seed can be a fun project. By selecting the right varieties and following the guidance we offer, you can enjoy an early harvest of the juiciest tomatoes around. Remember, the effort you put into your tomato plants now will lead to a bountiful and delicious reward.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Early Cropping Tomatoes to Grow from Seed in the UK
When should I start sowing early cropping tomato seeds indoors in the UK?
For the best results, you should start sowing your early cropping tomato seeds indoors around 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. In the UK, this typically means sowing seeds in late February to April.
Can early cropping tomato plants be grown outdoors in the UK?
Yes, early cropping tomato plants can be grown outdoors in the UK, but it is important to wait until all risk of frost has passed before transplanting them outside. They may also benefit from being grown under a cloche or in a cold frame for additional warmth early in the season.
Do early cropping tomatoes require different care compared to other tomato varieties?
Early cropping tomatoes require similar care to other varieties, including regular watering, feeding with a tomato-specific fertiliser, and support for the growing plants. However, they will need extra protection from the cold early in the season.
What is the typical yield for early cropping tomato plants?
The yield of early cropping tomato plants can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions.
The right seed tray is key to plant health, dependent on seed size, depth requirements and tray features like drainage and material durability.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this guide will help you pick the best trays, understand what to look for and how to use them to grow healthy plants....