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Growing Thessaloniki Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

In most climates, it is best to begin Thessaloniki tomato seeds indoors, typically about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a head start on the growing season, especially in regions with shorter summers. Use small pots or seed-starting trays filled with a well-draining, seed-starting mix. Moisten the soil before sowing your seeds about a quarter inch deep. Cover them lightly with more mix and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Providing a warm environment (around 75F) and plenty of light either by a sunny window or under grow lights, will encourage strong and healthy seedling growth.

In some cases, starting seeds outdoors is perfectly acceptable. This is typically feasible in regions with mild climates, where nighttime temperatures don't dip below 60°F. If you're sowing directly in the garden, wait until these conditions are met consistently for at least two weeks post the last frost date. This ensures your seedlings won't be subjected to cold stress, which can impede their growth.

Before transitioning your indoor-grown plants outdoors, they must undergo a hardening-off process. This involves gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over two weeks, helping them adjust to the sunlight, wind, and temperature fluctuations they'll face in their new environment. Skipping this step could lead to transplant shock, a potentially fatal setback for your young plants.

When it's time to transplant, choose a location that hasn't hosted peppers, eggplants, potatoes, or tomatoes in the last two years to avoid disease carryover. Plant your Thessaloniki tomatoes deeply, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves to encourage a strong root system. This deep planting technique helps the plant establish a robust foundation, which is vital for supporting its future growth and fruit production.

Thessaloniki tomatoes thrive in warm, moist soil. After transplanting, water your plants generously to settle them into their new home, then aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root diseases. A layer of mulch can be a fantastic ally, helping retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds, all of which contribute to your tomato plants' overall health and yield.

Given their indeterminate growth habit, Thessaloniki tomatoes will need a form of support to climb as they grow. Trellises, cages, or even an old chain-link fence can serve as excellent supports, keeping your plants off the ground and reducing the risk of disease while ensuring they get ample sunlight and air circulation.

Harvesting Thessaloniki Tomatoes

Harvest time typically begins in late summer and can continue into early fall, depending on your climate and when you planted. Tomatoes are ready to pick when they're firm and fully colored. Gently twist the fruit from the stem or use a pair of garden scissors to avoid damaging the plant. With the right conditions, you might even be lucky enough to get a second harvest the following year, doubling the rewards of your gardening efforts.

About Thessaloniki Tomato Garden Seeds

A uniform baseball-sized red 4-6 oz tomato, the Thessaloniki was developed in Greece and later introduced to the United States in the 1950’s. It is resistant to gray leaf spot, sunburn, and cracks, and has become one of the most popular big red tomatoes because they are so easy to grow.

Thanks to its Greek heritage, this tomato variety was literally made to be used in Greek and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The subtle sweetness compliments many other traditional flavors remarkably well.

Its ability to adapt to various growing conditions while maintaining its distinctive flavor profile has made it a cherished variety among gardeners worldwide. They are also incredibly versatile in the kitchen, suitable for fresh salads, sauces, and even for canning. The texture is meaty and juicy, with a firm flesh that holds up well during cooking and processing.

These tomatoes typically boast a vibrant red color, with a smooth, round shape. They are medium to large in size, making them substantial enough for a variety of uses, from slicing for sandwiches to dicing for salsas.

This tomato's well-balanced flavor profile makes it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. It's excellent in fresh preparations like salads and bruschettas, where its flavors can really shine. Additionally, Thessaloniki tomatoes are fantastic for cooking down into sauces and pastes, as their meaty texture reduces well and concentrates their delightful taste.

Thessaloniki tomatoes are versatile in terms of climate adaptability, thriving in hardiness zones 3-14. They require a full sun location to produce the best yields and the richest flavored fruit.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"I love learning about these different tomatoes developed in various parts of the world. It reminds me of how important other cultures are and that we all play an important part in our world’s development."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Thessaloniki Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 1 g packet - Approximately 350 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 2,500 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 160,000 Seeds

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