Tomato Alka

What Tomato Alka is

Tomato Alka (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an annual vegetable of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae). A dwarf field tomato variety that is ideal for small gardens. Very productive, with large, round to slightly oval red tomatoes with an average weight of 80 g. An early variety suitable for both fresh eating and canning. Tomatoes are easy to grow and great to eat. They are divided into many types: those suited to indoor growing, those suited to outdoor growing, tall-growing ones, and bush types. They also come in different sizes and a wide range of colours: red, orange, yellow, black, green and striped. Plant seeds in good organic compost between January and March at a temperature of 18-21 degrees C. Seeds can also be sown in March and April by placing the seedlings on a sunny windowsill. Pot on when the first few true leaves appear and the plants are approximately 8 cm tall. Use a quality organic potting compost with good nutrient levels. The plants grow quickly and need nitrogen, especially to stay green and healthy.

The tomato is the king of the vegetable garden; both the summer salad and the winter preserves depend on it. A good variety and healthy seedlings are half of the harvest.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 90%
• Pack size: 0.3 g
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: January – March; seedlings
• Harvest: June – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Tomato Alka

Tomato Alka seeds are sown in January – March. The crop is harvested from June to September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Tomato Alka

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 50–70 cm between plants, 70–90 cm between rows
• Germination: 6–10 days at 22–26 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot in rich soil. Tall (indeterminate) varieties are tied up and side shoots removed; water infrequently but generously, at the base of the plant, to avoid blight and cracking.

Harvest and use

Pick when the fruit is fully coloured or slightly earlier; tomatoes also ripen further at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

When should Tomato Alka be sown?

The recommended sowing months are January – March. Sowing method: seedlings.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 90%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

When should tomatoes be sown for seedlings?

Seeds are sown 6–8 weeks before planting out, in most regions February–March. Seedlings are moved outdoors when nights are consistently above 10–12 °C.

How deep should tomato seeds be sown?

At 0.5–1 cm, in a light, moist substrate. They germinate in 6–10 days at 22–26 °C.