Early Season Tomato Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Early-Season Tomato Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Early-Season Tomatoes

Planting Schedule:
Begin your journey to delicious early-season tomatoes by starting seeds indoors in early spring. Place them over a source of bottom heat to kickstart germination. Once sprouted, move seedlings away from direct heat and into brightly lit conditions. Nurture them for 6-8 weeks at a cozy 10°C (50°F).

When the chill of night lifts above 7°C (45°F), it's time to transplant early-season varieties outdoors; wait for nights at 10°C (50°F) for other types. Aim for a soil temperature between 25-35°C (68-95°F) for optimal germination, expecting sprouts in 7-14 days.


Seed Starting: Sow seeds about 5mm-1cm (¼-½ inch) deep in soil. To ensure robust and upright growth, provide ample light. Seedlings may need re-potting to support their developing roots. Space-determinate varieties 45-60cm (18-24 inches) apart, and indeterminate types 50-75cm (20-30 inches) apart, with rows about 1m (3 feet) between them.


Growing:
Tomatoes thrive in fertile, well-draining soil with pH 6.0-6.8. Add compost, manure, and organic fertilizer under each plant. Consider soil type; heavier soils delay transplantation. Lighter soils allow for earlier planting. Add glacial rock dust for calcium.

Proper and frequent watering is crucial for healthy growth, but be careful not to overwater, as waterlogged conditions can be harmful. It is essential to provide full sun and warmth to the plants. Vine varieties require support, while bush types benefit from cages to manage their growth. When transplanting, bury the plants to their first true leaves to promote better root growth and resistance to drought.

Cease watering by late July to promote ripening. For greenhouse growth, stimulate pollination by gently shaking the plant, as tomatoes self-pollinate without insect help.


Harvesting:
Harvest tomatoes at your preferred ripeness. Indoors, green tomatoes can ripen in cool conditions if blemish-free. Note that very dark green tomatoes may not fully ripen.

Early Season Tomatoes Pests & Diseases

Blossom End Rot:
Blossom End Rot is caused by calcium deficiency, leading to a brown, dry, and recessed area at the fruit's blossom end. This can cause further infection and even internal blackening. Fluctuations in watering disrupt calcium uptake, leading to an imbalance in the potassium-to-calcium ratio. Add bonemeal, dolomite lime, and organic fertilizer to the soil to prevent this and maintain consistent watering.


Late Blight:
Late Blight is a fungal disease that affects plants, especially tomatoes. It begins as greenish-black spots on the leaves, which then spread to the stems and fruit. Brown cankers and bluish-grey mould may also develop. Prevention is critical as there is no cure. Keep plants dry and ventilated, and use cloches. Applying Bordo Copper Spray with OMRI-listed Superflow Natural Surfactant in late summer can prevent fungus spores from germinating.