TOMATO - CILIEGIA

 Organic Tomato Ciliegia

        10 Seeds Pack    

Pomodoro Ciliegino di Pachino, a celebrated Sicilian cherry tomato that’s famed for its extraordinary sweetness and aroma. Originating from Sicily, particularly the region of Pachino, these tomatoes are often regarded as some of the sweetest in the world. Their small, round, and vibrant red fruits resemble ripe cherries, typically measuring about 2 cm in diameter. This bushy-growing variety is well-suited to Mediterranean climates but also thrives in a wide range of environments, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. The plants are early to ripen and produce consistently throughout the summer, ensuring a bountiful harvest. 

Ciliegino di Pachino tomatoes are a staple in Italian cuisine, known for their balanced acidity and rich, sugary flavour. They’re ideal for eating fresh in salads, as a topping for pizza, or simply drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt. Their high sugar content also makes them excellent for roasting or creating a concentrated, flavourful tomato sauce.

      PLANTING & GROWING

Soaking needs to be done at least a few hours before planting, and preferably overnight. To prevent damping off when starting seeds indoors, it’s essential that you disinfect all of your pots, plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before you reuse them. 

Tomatoes thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Prepare the soil 2-3 weeks before planting by digging it over and incorporating plenty of organic matter to enrich it. Tomatoes also grow well in grow bags or large pots, provided they are watered and fed regularly. For container planting, a mix of half potting compost and half soil-based loam works best, offering both nutrients and stability.

To sow tomatoes, start from late January to April by planting seeds 3 mm (1/8 in) deep in small pots filled with seed-starting compost. Water lightly and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 5–10 days at temperatures of 21–27°C (70–80°F). Once the seedlings emerge, place them in a bright location with slightly cooler temperatures (16–21°C or 60–70°F), such as a south-facing window.

When the seedlings develop their first true leaves and before they become root-bound, transplant them into larger 10 cm (4 in) pots. Protect the young plants from frost and sunburn using cloches or makeshift greenhouses like large plastic jugs with the bottoms removed. If necessary, fertilize sparingly with a weak dilution. Once the plants reach 15 cm (6 in) in height, harden them off over 10-15 days before transplanting them to their final position outdoors.

Plant fragrant companions like basil, garlic, or onions near tomatoes to mask their scent and deter pests. Avoid planting them near Brassicaceae family members or in soil previously used for tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplants to reduce disease risks.