Tomato Chocolate Stripes

Latin name: Solanum lycopersicum

Life cycle: annual

Sowing period: February to April

Harvest period: June to September

Depth: equal to seed size

Sowing technique: in pockets, in pots

Rising temperature: 20 to 25°C

Raising time: 7 to 10 days

Spacing: 70 cm

Watering: moderate / daily

Soil: all soil types

Special feature: it bears fruit until autumn

Growing Instructions:

• Sowing: Start indoors from February to April in a warm bed (20°C) or in pots within a heated greenhouse using fine seed compost. Ensure seeds are buried 1 cm deep and the soil remains moist but not soggy.
• Location: After the risk of frost has passed and seedlings reach 12 to 15 cm, transplant outdoors into rich, loose, and well-draining soil in a sunny spot.
• Spacing: Maintain 70 cm between rows and 50 cm within rows. Install stakes early to support growth.
• Watering and Care: Water deeply once a week at the base to prevent disease. Regular monitoring and care will enhance fruit production and plant health.

Pruning Advice:

• Optional Pruning: Pruning is not obligatory but can be done to increase fruit size and hasten maturity. Alternatively, allow the plant to develop naturally for a larger yield of smaller fruits.
• Training: For controlled growth, train the plant on two main strands and remove additional suckers.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Mildew and Apical Necrosis: Protect plants in rainy climates and consider treatments like Bordeaux mixture to prevent mildew. Ensure regular, adequate watering to prevent apical necrosis, often caused by uneven moisture and low calcium levels.

Harvest:

• Expect to harvest your tomatoes approximately 4 to 5 months after sowing, enjoying the unique flavors and textures that make Chocolate Stripes a garden favorite.