Tomato Rio Grande

What Tomato Rio Grande is

Tomato Rio Grande (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an annual vegetable of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae). The Rio Grande variety gives high yields of large, red, pear-shaped tomatoes.

They are dense and meaty, with a flavour that is slightly sweet with a mildly tangy taste.

One of the best tomatoes for puree, and it will withstand extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.

An excellent choice for beginner gardeners.

Highly disease-resistant.

Tomatoes are easy to grow as well as great to eat.

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: 80%
• Seeds per packet: 102–138 pcs (0.3 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: January – March; seedlings
• Harvest: June – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Tomato Rio Grande

Tomato Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande

• 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

They are divided into many varieties: suitable for growing indoors, suitable for growing outdoors, those that grow tall, as well as bush types. Sow seeds in good organic compost between January and March at a temperature of 18-21 degrees . The 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.

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 Rio Grande be sown?

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

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 102–138 seeds, pack size 0.3 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 80%. 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.