PVFS Tomato Stupice

Lycopersicon lycopersicum Tender Annual Semideterminate. Stupice is a popular, vigorous plant which yields abundant, early 3-6 ounce red fruit. Its good, potato-leaf foliage results in high quality, round, crimson fruit. This Czechoslovakian-bred vine has exceptional flavor and ripens very early.

Soil & Water: Tomatoes love fertile soil rich in organic matter. Add plenty of compost prior to planting. Soil pH is preferred between 5.5-7.0. Soak the soil 4-6" deep at 7-day intervals. Mulch to preserve moisture. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering.

Planting & Growing: Sow seeds in flats 6-8 weeks before the last frost and thin to 2" after the first true leaves appear. Before transplanting after the last frost, harden off the plants by placing them outdoors for a few hours to start, increasing the amount of time each day until they are accustomed to a full day of sunlight. Once transplanted, provide full sun, except in hot climates where some afternoon shade is recommended.

Harvesting & Storage: Harvest when individual fruits give slightly under finger pressure; the shoulders may not have changed color yet. Cut or twist off while supporting the vine. Tomatoes are best eaten fresh, within 3 days of picking; refrigerating tomatoes causes them to lose flavor, but sauce made from fresh tomatoes freezes well.

Did You Know? Research shows that tomatoes' protective effects against prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease, and in neutralizing free radicals are due not simply to their lycopene content, but result from the synergy of lycopene with other phytonutrients naturally present in whole tomatoes. Lycopene is highest in organically grown tomatoes.

Sun/Shade: Full sun, Planting Depth: 1/2", Spacing After Thinning: 15"-36", Soil Temperature: 70-85°F, Days To Germinate: 6-12, Days To Maturity: 55-85, Height At Maturity: Seeds/pack 50

Unit Ship Weight: 0.02 lbs.