Chianti Rose Tomato, Organic, pre-1890 Heirloom

Renee's Garden - EXCLUSIVE - This big, beautiful beefsteak tomato with fabulous flavor is a cross between the famous pink Brandywine and a treasured family variety from Italy. Juicy, flavorful and heavy in the hand, Chianti Rose tomatoes are thin skinned with smooth, creamy flesh and glowing rosy-red color. The strong vigorous vines with potato leaf foliage tolerate cooler summers and are more crack-resistant and uniform than other large fruited heirlooms. Huge harvests of these scrumptious tomatoes are a highlight of our summers!

Characteristics: 

• Heirloom from the 1800's
  
• Warm Pink to Chocolate color 
• Thin Skinned and a good short season variety
• Resists Cracking

Instructions - In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably 50-55°F. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80°F. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant them into individual 4-inch pots. Maintain at 70°F. Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant.

When nights reach 55°F, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Plant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun. Prepare the soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don't overwater once fruit begins to ripen. For the best flavor, pick fully ripe and don’t store in the refrigerator.  

• Sow seeds indoors from February-March 
  
• 7-14 days to germinate 
• Transplant outdoors in full sun from May-June 
• Mature height: 5-7 feet 
• 80 days to harvest 

Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.