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Growing Organic Marglobe Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

To cultivate organic Marglobe tomatoes, start the planting process indoors 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow the organic Marglobe tomato seeds at a depth of 0.25 inches in fertile, well-draining, and slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.2-6.8. Ensure the soil is loose, as tomatoes prefer well-draining conditions. Germination typically occurs within 7-10 days at temperatures between 65-85°F. After germination, transplant the seedlings into individual pots, allowing them to grow indoors until they are at least 10 inches tall. When the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, typically 7-9 weeks after starting indoors, transplant the organic Marglobe tomato plants into your garden plot, raised bed, or greenhouse. Plant them 24 to 36 inches apart, as they tend to sprawl, and space rows 36 inches apart. Given their determinate growth habit, these tomatoes will set their fruit all at once and won't continue producing after that, making them ideal for staggered planting to extend the harvest. Staking is recommended to support the tall, healthy plants. These organic Marglobe tomatoes, resistant to Nail Head Rust, Fusarium Wilt, Blight, and Verticillium Wilt, are well-suited for organic gardening, offering classic, juicy, and rich-flavored fruits for salads, fresh eating, canning, and more.

To ensure the successful growth of organic Marglobe tomatoes, it's essential to adhere to a few recommended maintenance practices and growing tips. Regularly check the plants for signs of common pests such as tomato hornworms, cutworms, aphids, flea beetles, fruit worms, and whiteflies. Additionally, monitor for diseases like blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Maintain a consistent watering schedule, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and water in the morning to prevent fungal issues. Mulching around the base of the plants with organic materials like straw or grass clippings can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion planting with basil can help deter certain pests and improve the flavor of tomatoes. Finally, stake the plants to support their determinate growth habit and prevent sprawling. These practices, coupled with the use of organic neem-based products for pest and disease control, will contribute to a healthy and productive organic Marglobe tomato harvest.

Harvesting Organic Marglobe Tomatoes

Harvesting organic Marglobe tomatoes involves careful observation and timing. As a determinate variety, Marglobe tomatoes reach a predetermined size and produce their fruit all at once, typically around 72 days from transplant. To determine the optimal harvest time, look for the tomatoes to develop a deep red color and a slightly soft feel. Ripe tomatoes should easily detach from the vine with a gentle twist or pull. For the best flavor, allow the tomatoes to fully ripen on the vine, but if needed, they can be harvested slightly earlier and left to ripen indoors. Use garden shears or scissors to clip the tomatoes to avoid damaging the plant. Regularly harvesting ripe tomatoes encourages the development of new fruit. Staking or caging the determinate plants is advisable to support the weight of the fruit and prevent sprawling, contributing to a successful and efficient harvest.

About Organic Marglobe Tomato Garden Seeds

The history of the organic Marglobe tomato dates back to its development in 1917, introduced by the USDA in 1925. Revered for its exceptional qualities, Marglobe quickly gained popularity along the East Coast, from the northern regions down to Florida. It earned recognition for its ability to withstand prolonged periods of wet and unfavorable weather while producing a bountiful crop of large, well-rounded, bright scarlet-red tomatoes. Resistant to Nail Head Rust and Fusarium Wilt, Marglobe became a staple variety in gardens, known for its robust growth, deep globe shape, and superb table qualities.

Bred with a focus on resistance to specific diseases and adaptability to varying climates, Marglobe tomatoes were cultivated to thrive in warm and drought-prone conditions. This makes them particularly suitable for regions with hot summers, making them a favorite in the southern United States. The tomato's resilience and impressive productivity have contributed to its enduring popularity for over a century.

In addition to its disease resistance and adaptability, Marglobe tomatoes are recognized for their classic, juicy, and rich flavor. The fruits are medium to large, weighing between 7 to 10 ounces, with a meaty texture and almost core-less structure. Ideal for canning, Marglobe tomatoes maintain their quality well, making them a preferred choice for preserving the harvest.

While Marglobe tomatoes are well-suited for traditional garden plots and raised beds, their sprawling growth habit might pose challenges in container gardening. Staking is recommended to support the determinate plants and prevent sprawling. However, due to their determinate nature, Marglobe tomatoes may not be the best choice for hanging baskets, which typically benefit from indeterminate varieties that continue to produce fruit throughout the season.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To maximize the harvest and promote a healthy plant, consider providing sturdy stakes or cages to support the Marglobe tomato plants. This helps prevent the branches from breaking under the weight of the tomatoes and ensures proper air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Organic Marglobe Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 250 mg packet - Approximately 66 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 120,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Organic Marglobe Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.