Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF

Growing Indian Curry Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

The first things to consider are the seeds and soil. Indian Curry tomato seeds thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Aim for a sowing depth of about 1/4 inch, ensuring the tiny seeds are snugly covered with soil but not buried too deep. In most climates, it is best to start them indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. This head start is good for giving your seedlings the warmth and protection they need during their most vulnerable stages. Place them in a warm spot or use a heat mat to maintain a soil temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C), and keep the soil evenly moist. The first sprouts should emerge within 2 weeks or so.

When your seedlings have sprouted true leaves and the threat of frost has passed, it's time to introduce them to the great outdoors. However, don't rush this transition. Gradually acclimate your plants to outdoor conditions over a week, a process known as hardening off. This step is crucial to prevent shock, allowing your tomatoes to adjust to their new environment gradually. Transplant them into a sunny spot in your garden or farm, spacing them about 24-36 inches apart in rows that are spaced about 3 feet apart. This spacing allows for adequate air circulation, reducing the risk of disease and ensuring each plant gets adequate sunlight and nutrients.

Indian Curry tomatoes, like most tomato varieties, require monitoring and care throughout their growth. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, prevents stress and promotes healthy growth. However, overhead watering should be avoided when possible to minimize leaf wetness and reduce disease risk. A mulch layer can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Support your tomatoes with stakes or cages to encourage upward growth and prevent fruit from touching the ground, which could lead to rot.

Enhance your tomato garden's health and yield by simultaneously planting other plants that symbiotically benefit tomatoes. Basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums are aesthetically pleasing, repel pests, and attract beneficial insects. On the other hand, avoid planting tomatoes near potatoes or fennel, as they may hinder growth and attract diseases.

Don’t forget to prune! Removing suckers and underleaves from the plant can improve air circulation and direct more energy into fruit production. Be sure to use sharp pruning shears when possible to avoid damage to the plant. Each year rotate your tomato crops to prevent disease buildup in the soil. Biodiversity is critical to prevent disease establishment.

Harvesting Indian Curry Tomatoes

When Indian Curry tomatoes are ripe, the skin of the tomato will achieve a deep, even red color. The fruit will feel firm yet slight give under gentle pressure. The tomatoes should easily detach from the stem with a slight twist. Grasp the tomato firmly but gently and twist it lightly from the stem or use a pair of garden scissors to snip it off. Leaving a small part of the stem attached to the tomato is good practice to prolong its shelf life and prevent disease entry points.

About Indian Curry Tomato Garden Seeds

Indian Curry tomato plants are a determinate variety and will grow to a fixed height and produce all their fruit in a relatively short period. This characteristic makes determinate varieties ideal for those who wish to harvest a large batch of tomatoes at once for canning or processing.

In the garden, patience and observation are key. Keep an eye on your tomatoes as they ripen, and be ready to harvest when they signal to you the perfect blend of color, firmness, and ease of picking. Enjoy the fruits of your labor fresh off the vine, in culinary creations, or preserved to capture the essence of your garden for the colder months.

Indian Curry tomatoes are small 2-inch almost cherry tomatoes. They are more acidic than sweet which make them perfect for stews such as curry or dal. Thanks to that same acidity, they can remarkably well, even when left whole.

A versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine, tomatoes are used in various dishes like tomato curry, tomato kura, and tomato sabzi. Tomatoes were introduced to India by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century and have since become a staple in Indian cooking, adding flavor and body to dishes.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Whether you're nurturing a few plants in your backyard or a larger plot on a small-scale farm, growing tomatoes from seed can be a deeply rewarding experience. It's a journey filled with anticipation, learning, and ultimately, the joy of harvest. Happy gardening!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Indian Curry Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg packet - Approximately 65 Seeds
• .25 oz - Approximately 1,700 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 6,800 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 27,200 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 108,800 Seeds

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