Purple Bumblebee Tomato

 

source: MIgardener

• Indeterminate
• 60 - 70 days
• Full Sun
• Sprouts in 7-14 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 75-95 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: 1/8 inch
• Plant Spacing: 24"
• Frost Hardy: No
• Solanum lycopersicum

This unique purple cherry variety with green marbling indeterminate tomato from open pollinated seeds matures in 70 days. Heavy yields will be produced all season long on short vines. Crack-resistant with fruits 1.5 inches around. The high acidity of this variety makes for a tangy, less sweet flavor. are unfazed by temperature extremes.

Start your Purple Bumble Bee Tomatoes indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost of spring, sow your Purple Bumble Bee tomatoes seeds in a flat 1/4" deep and 1" apart. Keep the temperature near 60-75 degrees F until germination. Make sure you provide bright light but not direct sun. Keep the planting soil moist, but make sure drainage is adequate. Purple Bumble Bee Tomato seeds will germinate in 8-15 days. When the second set of leaves emerge, transplant your Purple Bumble Bee Tomatoes seedlings into individual pots; bury the stems up to the lowest set of leaves to make sure your tomatoes grow strong roots. A week before planting your Purple Bumble Bee Tomato seedlings outside, begin exposing them to the weather during the day to harden them off. When the soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees F, plant the seedlings in full sun and very rich soil; once more, bury the entire stem up to the lowest set of leaves. If providing a trellis, space the plants 2' apart, but if allowing the vines to spread, space the plants 3-4' apart. Apply a light compost tea every few weeks. Do not apply excessive nitrogen, which can promote excessive foliage and poor fruit set. Plant deeply to encourage adventitious rooting. Water seedlings with a high-phosphate fertilizer solution at planting to help boost early yields.

Try planting Purple Bumble Bee in a 5 gallon (or larger) container, but be sure to provide the support of a trellis or string, as the vines are vigorous. Keep the plants picked and snip back any suckers so the fruit production is limited to one central vine.

-Phyllis