7 November 2024
Want to grow chillies in hanging baskets? Here are the best chillies for hanging baskets.
Read on for top varieties and care tips for a chilli filled garden....
Posted in Blog Home
Growing the Best Baby Plum Tomatoes from Seeds
1 February 2024
Baby Plum Tomatoes, with their vibrant hues and juicy flavours, have long been a beloved staple in the British kitchen. Whether nestled in a summer salad, transformed into a rich pasta sauce, or simply enjoyed fresh off the vine, tomatoes hold a special place in the hearts of UK gardeners. But there's an unparalleled satisfaction that comes from nurturing these sun-kissed gems right in your own back garden.
In this blog, we walk you through the best varieties, and how to grow your own. These petite marvels pack a punch of sweetness and are known for their versatility in the kitchen. From the thrill of seeing the first tender seedlings emerge to the joy of harvesting a bountiful crop, cultivating baby plum tomatoes offers fulfilling experience for every gardener.
Variety Choice - Best Baby Plum Tomatoes to grow from Seeds
We are absolutely spoilt for choice when growing tomato seeds, there is a spectacular array of baby plum tomato varieties, each with its own unique personality and flavour profile. From the sweetness of 'Sungrape' to the intense richness of 'Lizziebell,' cultivating baby plum tomatoes from seeds enables you the opportunity to create a garden filled with a rainbow of colours and different flavours, and turn your garden into a miniature tomato paradise.
£2.39
Sungrape produces tiny baby plum tomatoes.....
Growth Habit - Cordon.
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
£1.69
Enjoy a heavy yield of dazzling yellow tasty fruits......
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
£1.99
A sweet baby plum, blight resistant bush variety for pots and tubs.....
Growth Habit - Large Bush
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
£1.99
Katiebell is a baby plum tomato with outstanding flavour.....
Growth Habit - Cordon.
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
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£1.99
Lizziebell is a vigorous small orange plum.....
Growth Habit - Cordon.
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
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£1.99
Tomato Luciebell is a vigorous small plum.....
Growth Habit - Cordon.
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
Why Grow from Seeds?
1. Seeds are Cheaper than Plants. - More Choice.
Gardening, while immensely rewarding, can sometimes strain the pocketbook. However, the economical advantage of starting your tomatoes from seeds is a game-changer. By bypassing the expense of purchasing pre-grown plants, you not only save money but also open the door to a much wide range of tomato varieties that might be cost-prohibitive when buying in their mature plant form.
This cost-effective approach empowers you to experiment with a much wider range of varieties, creating a kitchen garden that reflects your unique tastes and preferences without putting a dent in your gardening budget.
How to Grow Baby Plum Tomatoes
1. Germination:
Start sowing the tomato seeds indoors, ideally 6-8 weeks before the anticipated last frost date. Create an optimal germination environment by using a well-draining seed compost, which provides the necessary aeration and moisture retention for tiny roots to take hold. Maintain a consistent temperature between 18-21°C (64-70°F) to encourage robust germination. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged, striking a delicate balance that nurtures healthy seedlings.
2. Transplanting Seedlings:
As your baby plum tomato seedlings develop and boast two sets of true leaves, it's time to transplant them into larger containers or directly into your garden beds. Choose containers with good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
If transplanting outdoors, ensure the last frost date has passed. Harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. This acclimatisation process prepares them for the change in environment, reducing the risk of shock. Once hardened off, transplant your seedlings with care, but still monitor the weather carefully.
3. Caring for Tomato Plants:
Nurturing your tomatoe plants requires consistent attention to their needs. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, aiming for a balance that prevents both drought stress and waterlogged roots. Fertilise your tomatoes every week with a balanced liquid fertiliser, providing essential nutrients for vigorous growth and bountiful fruit production.
As your plants grow, stake or provide support to ensure they remain upright and to prevent sprawling. This is especially important for baby plum tomatoes, which can become laden with fruit. By offering support, you enhance air circulation, reduce the risk of diseases, and make harvesting more accessible.
Regularly monitor your plants for signs of pests or diseases, addressing any issues promptly to maintain the health and vitality of your baby plum tomatoes throughout the growing season. With diligent care, you'll be rewarded with a harvest of flavourful and vibrant tomatoes straight from the vine.
Harvesting Your Tomatoes
Wait until the tomatoes are not just ripe but at the peak of their flavour. Gently squeeze them to ensure they are firm yet yielding, indicating the perfect ripeness. The tomatoes should be fully colored, showcasing their characteristic hues, whether it's the radiant orange of 'Bliss' or the sweet red of 'Sungrape.'
To truly capture the essence of their unique flavours, resist the temptation to pluck them prematurely. Instead, let them ripen fully on the plant. This not only enhances their sweetness but also ensures a richer and more satisfying taste. This attention to detail guarantees that each bite is a burst of garden-fresh goodness.
Time to Get Growing
As your carefully chosen seeds transform into vibrant plants, and those plants produce an abundance of flavourful tomatoes, you'll find that the effort invested is richly rewarded.
Questions and Answers
Q: When is the best time to start growing baby plum tomatoes from seeds in the UK?
A: It's advisable to start your baby plum tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your region. This ensures robust seedlings ready for transplanting after the frost risk has passed.
Q: What are some disease-resistant baby plum tomato varieties suitable for the UK climate?
A: Disease-resistant varieties like 'Celano' and 'Fantasio' are well-suited for the UK climate. These tomatoes offer increased resilience against common tomato diseases prevalent in varying weather conditions.
Q: How do I know when baby plum tomatoes are ready for harvest?
A: Harvest baby plum tomatoes when they are firm, fully colored, and easily come off the vine with a gentle twist. For optimal flavor, allow them to ripen fully on the plant before picking.
Q: What are effective ways to support baby plum tomato plants as they grow?
A: Provide support for baby plum tomato plants by staking or using tomato cages. This prevents sprawling, promotes air circulation, and helps bear the weight of the fruit, reducing the risk of breakage.
Q: Can I grow baby plum tomatoes in containers in a small UK garden?
A: Absolutely! Many baby plum tomato varieties, are well-suited for container gardening. Choose a large enough container with good drainage, and enjoy fresh tomatoes even in limited garden space.
