For a couple of years now, my New Year’s Tradition has been to start my tomato seeds. It’s my way of saying goodbye to the old and looking forward to new beginnings. What better reminder is there to be hopeful, have faith and sow the good seeds of intention than by actually getting some new seeds started.
My initial plan was only to do fifteen varieties this year, but when has any gardener ever practiced moderation, especially a tomato glut like me. So instead I am at twenty-two varieties and that is quite restrained I think. There are also six volunteers in the garden but I do not know what varieties they are.
This year I seem to be orange/yellow heavy for variety choices. There is Summer Cider, a Tom Wagner creation. The initial name was almost apple butter. It is an apricot-colored beefsteak that is described as mild and sweet. I am looking forward to seeing how it compared to the Apricot Brandywine I am also growing. Also on the list is Woodle, a medium-sized beautiful orange-skinned tomato. Gold Medal is also another contender for this best yellow beefsteak type tomato. Dagma’s Perfection is another bi-color yellow and there is also pineapple with its lovely red marbling. Lastly, I am trying afternoon delight, a yellow bi-color with beautiful purple shoulders that comes from Brad Gates. That makes six yellows this year. I did intend to have this many yellow varieties, I just did not know which one I could possibly leave off the list. Would you believe I almost included HillBilly Potato leaf which I regard very highly?
There are two cherry types. Chocolate sprinkles, never disappoints in production and rich delicious flavor. I am also trying Brads Crazy Cherry for the first time.
From previous seasons, Carbon is on the repeat list, it has to be every year. I also have Russian Rose, which I cannot recommend highly enough. Vintage wine was also a winner last year and Black Trifle did not disappoint either. Blue Beauty also makes the repeat list. The blacks and purples are always my favorites but it seems I am not trying any new varieties of those other than Lilac Lake. I have a couple of browns, Prime Rib and Mavritskanskite. There’s only one green, Frog Princess.
Here's the full list
- Lavender Lake
- Summer Cider Apricot
- Dagmas Perfection
- Bear Claw
- Prime Rib
- Mavrikanskite
- Giant of Siebenburgen
- Russian Rose
- Gold Medal
- Afternoon Delight
- Woodle
- Black Trifel
- Black Russian
- Chocolate Stripes
- Carbon
- Brads Crazy Cherry
- Frog Princess
- Vintage Wine
- Blue Beauty
- Pineapple
Starting Tomatoes Seeds
In our hot Phoenix climates, tomato seeds are best stated in December to mid-January and transplanted out within the first two weeks of March. This is to take advantage of the lovely weather before May and June. In fact, by May you should be reaping the rewards of your seed sowing and carefully tendered plants. Here are some easy tips for seed starting success.
- Use a good seed starting mix.
- Initially, the seeds will not need light, not until the first leaves appear, but they do need heat and moisture. Invest in a heating mat for success.
- Ensure that the seeds are kept moist. Check them twice a day and water as necessary. This is just as important once the seeds have actually sprouted and the seedlings start to grow as the roots will take up more water.
- Once the seedlings have emerged, they will need about 12 hours of light for good growth. An indoor grow light system is recommended.
- I like to start my seeds in a 72 cell tray, a propagator can also be used. After 2-3 weeks after they have sprouted, I transplant into 6-inch pots, so that the roots have enough room.
- If fungus gnats start to become a problem, use 1 parts hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water and repeat this treatment every 7-10 days until they are gone.
- Feed the seedlings every ten to fourteen days with liquid seaweed and quality fish emulsion such as Neptunes or Fox Farms Wholly Mackerel.
- Once the seedlings have been transplanted to larger 6-inch pots, I start to leave them out during the day to get actual sunlight. This makes the hardening-off process much easier and produces strong healthy plants. They can also be kept in a greenhouse that is well ventilated during the day and that has a small heat source at night.
- I plant out when the soil temperatures are above 55 degrees, normally at the beginning of March. If a late March cold spell is expected, be prepared to cover and protect the seedlings.
If you are new to starting seeds and will like to start a seed collection, please join us at the annual Seed Exchange at Ruggiero’s Ace Hardware, formerly Russ True Value in Queen Creek. The address is 20231 E Ocotillo Drive and it is 8 am – 11 am on January 11th. All seasoned gardeners are also welcome.
A Pie Of Mixed Garden Greens