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Growing Organic Stupice Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Use an organic seed starting mix, rich in nutrients and free from synthetic chemicals. You can also make your own mix using compost, peat moss, and vermiculite. Plant Stupice tomato seeds about 1/4 inch deep in pots or trays. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place them in a warm spot with plenty of light. A south-facing window or an LED grow light will help seedlings grow strong. Water your seedlings with room-temperature water to avoid shocking them. Keep the soil consistently moist.

Once your seedlings have their second set of true leaves, feed them with a diluted organic liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Fish emulsion or seaweed extract are great organic options. About a week before transplanting, begin to harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start with an hour a day and increase the exposure time gradually. This process acclimatizes them to their new environment, reducing transplant shock.

Transplant your Stupice tomatoes after the last frost when the soil has warmed. Nighttime temperatures should consistently stay above 50°F (10°C). Enrich your garden bed with plenty of organic compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Add a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer to the planting holes to give your tomatoes a healthy start. Plant tomatoes deeper than they were in their pots, burying up to two-thirds of the plant to encourage strong root development. Space them about 2 feet apart in rows 3 feet apart to ensure good air circulation.

Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing leaf wetness and reducing disease risk. Water deeply and regularly, aiming for at least 1 inch per week, inclusive of rain. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around your plants, such as straw or mulched leaves. Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes. Plant basil, marigolds, or nasturtiums among your tomatoes. These companions can deter pests and attract beneficial insects, reducing the need for interventions.

Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases. Use organic methods like handpicking pests, applying neem oil, or using insecticidal soap as needed. Encourage beneficial insects by planting a diverse garden. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support your tomato plants as they grow. This keeps the fruit off the ground and promotes air circulation, reducing disease pressure.

Continue to feed your tomatoes with organic liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season. Once fruits begin to form, switch to a potassium-rich organic fertilizer to encourage fruit development.

Optionally, prune your Stupice tomatoes to remove lower leaves and suckers. This improves air circulation and focuses the plant's energy on fruit production.

Harvesting Stupice Organic Tomatoes

Stupice tomatoes set fruit early and ripen quickly, so you won’t have to wait long. When tomatoes are firm and uniformly colored, they’re ready to pick. Gently twist them off the vine or use garden clippers to remove them without damaging the plant. Their early arrival extends the fresh tomato season when paired with other Early, Mid, and Late tomato varieties.

Despite its early maturity, Stupice is a prolific producer, yielding a generous harvest from each plant. The tomatoes keep coming throughout the growing season, especially if the plants are kept healthy and well-maintained.

About Stupice Organic Tomato Garden Seeds

Originating from the Czech Republic, Stupice (pronounced Stoo-PEECH-ka) is an heirloom variety with a trustworthy reputation worldwide for its hardiness, early maturity, and mouthwatering flavor.

With their reputation for being cold-tolerant and early producers, Stupice tomatoes are a favorite among gardeners eager to jump-start their tomato season or for those in colder climates with short growing seasons.

These tasty potato leaf tomatoes grow on vines reaching up to 4 feet high! Their firm, ruby-colored exterior makes them especially attractive to the eye.

The tomatoes themselves are small to medium-sized, averaging about 2 inches in diameter and 3-6 ounces. They are round, with a deep red color and a notably sweet, yet tangy, flavor that makes them versatile in the kitchen.

This semi-determinate plant has the best of both worlds by growing to a set height and continually yielding fruit throughout the season.

Stupice tomatoes are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Their size makes them perfect for salads and sandwiches, and their rich flavor enhances sauces and salsas. They're also delightful when eaten fresh off the vine, capturing the essence of summer in every bite.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Whenever I read the words ‘cold-tolerant’ on a seed packet, I always think, ‘I could grow that!’ Gardening in the Northern states has its perks but we do have to be mindful of the shorter growing season we are working with. Stupice tomatoes are a great choice for us."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Stupice Organic Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg packet - Approximately 75 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 1,875 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 120,000 Seeds

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