The variety of tomato varieties is significantly more diverse than the trade would suggest. You can easily grow sensational tomato plants yourself from seed. Find out how here.

Sowing at the right time

Direct sowing in the bed is out of the question in our latitudes due to the cool climate. Tomato plants are among the tropical plants. Therefore, the seeds will only germinate if they are offered a warm, humid microclimate. Pre-growing is therefore extremely successful on the cozy window sill or in the heated greenhouse. These sowing dates are recommended:

  • in the heated greenhouse from the end of February
  • on the warm windowsill from mid-March

If you move within this time frame, the tomato plants will be fit enough to move outdoors by mid-May. If you start growing earlier, there is a risk that the seedlings will wither. If you wait too long, the time window until maturity is too short.

From the tiny seed to the vigorous seedling

The South American origin of tomato plants already indicates that sufficiently high temperatures and bright light conditions form the basis for successful cultivation. How to get the seeds in the mood to germinate:

  • soak the seeds in warm water, chamomile tea or garlic broth
  • Fill seed trays with nutrient-poor soil
  • Distribute seeds with tweezers 3 centimeters apart
  • Sieve a wafer-thin layer of substrate or sand and spray
  • Set up pots or bowls in the mini greenhouse or cover them with foil
  • place in a partially shaded place

An exemplary germination temperature ranges between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. Keep the seeds constantly slightly moist and ventilate the greenhouse or the cover daily to prevent mold from developing. Given these optimal conditions, germination will begin within 10 to 14 days. The successful course can be recognized by two cotyledons that push out of the seeds.

Successful advancement leads to impeccable pricking

The self-lured seedlings now want to be a little cooler and lighter, at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. The cover is now removed because the first true pair of leaves will thrive quickly. Since within a few days there is urgent tightness in the seed pot, it is now pricked out:

  • Fill small pots 4-5 centimeters high with lightly fertilized pricking soil
  • Make a small well in the middle
  • Using the pricking stick, lift out the previously soaked seedlings one by one
  • insert into the substrate up to the cotyledons

In the last step, fill in the remaining soil, press it down a little and spray it with water. Tomato plants that you cultivate yourself according to these instructions are well prepared for lush growth outdoors from mid-May.

tips and tricks

A special fascination emanates from historical tomato varieties, which fortunately are back in fashion. Various non-profit organizations have dedicated themselves to preserving the colorful variety of tomato plants and provide seeds for a small fee. The 'Noah's Ark' is one of them or the 'Garden of Life'.

Category:

Vegetable garden