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Growing Phoenix Hybrid Slicer Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Seven to nine weeks before the last spring frost, begin your tomato seeds indoors in seed starting trays. Use a well-draining potting or germinating mix to start the seeds. Plant two or three seeds per cell about a quarter inch deep and cover the seeds. Water them in gently to avoid washing the seeds away. Water regularly. As soon as one of the seedlings emerges, move the tray to a bright window or provide grow lights positioned a few inches above the tray. The seedlings should receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight combined with 8-10 hours of darkness. Tomatoes are very sensitive to insufficient light and will not grow if the light is too weak or short. When they are two inches tall, thin the seedlings to one per cell. Fertilize once they have two sets of true leaves. Transplant the seedlings into larger, 4 or 6-inch pots once their root systems have developed beyond the starting cell’s capacity but a few weeks before they can be moved outdoors.

Before planting them into your garden soil, the seedlings should be hardened off gradually to acclimate to the sunnier, windier conditions. Transplant the seedlings into the garden once temperatures are consistently above 70 F. Bury a calcium supplement in the soil beneath the seedlings. Bury most of the stems to encourage more root development. Leave at least one good set of leaves at the top. Remove the lower leaves that can’t reach the sunlight or might be buried and any suckers growing in between fruit-bearing branches. Fertilize with compost, worm castings, or another fertilizer of choice when planting into the garden. Prune the bush periodically throughout the season to remove suckers and bottom leaves. Fertilize once more in mid-season. Be sure to water Phoenix Hybrids in the morning and focus the water at the base of the plant instead of an overhead spray. All tomato varieties need warmer conditions and rich soil in order to thrive and develop fruit. Phoenix Hybrid tomatoes prefer loamy, well-drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH and added compost. Protect the plants from any cool weather; they are not cold-tolerant. Garden quilts or other protections can be used if cool weather below 50 F is expected.

Harvesting Phoenix Hybrid Slicer Tomatoes

Phoenix Hybrid produces for about a month. If the harvest buts up against a frost, pull up the plant and finish ripening the tomatoes off the vine indoors. They are best harvested off the vine when fully red and shiny but still firm. Gently twist the tomato off the calyx or snip it loose if it won’t come on its own.

About Phoenix Hybrid Slicer Tomato Garden Seeds

The Phoenix variety is vigorous, compact, and bears mid-season fruit that is large and red. This determinate variety forms a bush that is self-tipping and rarely needs staking but can benefit from a tomato cage. Phoenix Hybrid Tomatoes resist cracking.

Slicing tomatoes are medium to large and round, ideal for fresh eating. The juicy fruits are higher in water content than paste tomatoes, making them premier for fresh applications. They can also be cooked but require longer cooking time to reduce and thicken.

This outstanding tomato plant is resistant to Alternaria Stem Canker, Fusarium Wilt 1, Fusarium Wilt 2, Gray Leaf Spot, Verticillium Wilt, and Verticillium Wilt 1. It is even heat and drought-tolerant! The Phoenix Hybrid Tomato seeds are ideal for a limited-space garden or, as the name suggests, a container garden. In wind and rain conditions, provide additional support, even though this is a determinate (non-vining) plant. This plant is highly productive, yielding many tomatoes.

Phoenix Hybrid was developed in South Texas and is well suited for gardens in hot climates. It is the perfect tomato for slicing onto a salad or sandwich. Drizzle this tomato with some olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. You can store Phoenix Hybrids in cans for long-term storage. Plant near asparagus, peppers, onions, cucumbers, basil, and marigold flowers for mutual benefits.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"If you have a hot climate garden that has scorched tomato plants in the past, try Phoenix Hybrid! It is much more heat tolerant than other varieties. Just be sure to keep it well watered."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Phoenix Hybrid Slicer Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 10 seed Packet
• 100 seed Packet

Non-GMO Phoenix Hybrid Slicer Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.