tomato (standard) 'Alicante'
tomato or Solanum lycopersicum 'Alicante'
A good all-rounder, 'Alicante' is a very reliable and productive tomato, with big trusses of medium-sized fruit with a pleasantly sweet flavour. They're early to mature, so you'll be guaranteed a crop even in less-than-perfect summers. That also makes it a good bet for growing outside (after frosts) – though with the shelter of a greenhouse you'll be even more certain of ripening your crop. A heritage variety introduced in 1925.
How to care for tomato Alicante:
Tie in to supports and pinch out the sideshoots as the plant develops. Keep well watered and feed weekly with a tomato feed once the flowers form. Keep water levels in the soil consistent to prevent blossom end rot and split fruit.
When plants reach the roof of the greenhouse, pinch out the growing tip above the top truss so the plant concentrates on ripening fruit rather than growing greenery. Restrict the plant to six trusses for better quality fruits.
Sow basil among your tomatoes as a companion plant: the scent deters whitefly and it's handy for harvesting to complement your tomatoes perfectly in Mediterranean cooking.
When plants reach the roof of the greenhouse, pinch out the growing tip above the top truss so the plant concentrates on ripening fruit rather than growing greenery. Restrict the plant to six trusses for better quality fruits.
Sow basil among your tomatoes as a companion plant: the scent deters whitefly and it's handy for harvesting to complement your tomatoes perfectly in Mediterranean cooking.
Sowing instructions:
From January to March, sow in a frost-free greenhouse or windowsill, potting on seedlings individually as they grow. Once all danger of frost has passed, plant into greenhouse borders or into growbags, or harden plants off and plant outside in rich soil in a sunny spot.
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Frost tender
approx 75 seeds
£2.29
Seed Packets (only)£2.95
Named Day Delivery£10.95
