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Growing Stupice Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

About 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area is the perfect time to sow Stupice tomato seeds indoors. This head start is crucial for getting those early and tasty tomatoes. Use small pots or seed starting trays filled with a good-quality seed starting mix. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, lightly covering them with soil. Ensure they're kept warm (about 70F or 21C) and moist. A sunny windowsill or a grow light can provide the light they need to grow. You'll see germination in about 5-10 days. Colder temperatures result in longer germination times.

Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Provide plenty of light, aiming for 16-18 hours a day if you’re using artificial lights to encourage strong, sturdy growth. When the seedlings have their second set of true leaves, it’s time for their first low-strength feeding of liquid fertilizer. Continue feeding them lightly every couple of weeks.

About a week before transplanting, start the hardening-off process. This involves gradually exposing your seedlings to outdoor conditions to toughen them up. Begin with an hour outside in a sheltered spot, avoiding direct sunlight and strong winds, and gradually increase their outdoor time each day over the course of a week.

Wait until all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures are consistently above 40F to transplant outdoors. Stupice tomatoes are cold-hardy, but they are still a tomato, and frost is a definite no-go. Choose a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Stupice tomatoes prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Space plants about 24 inches apart in rows spaced about 3 feet apart allow for air circulation and growth. Dig a hole for each plant deep enough to bury two-thirds of the stem, as this encourages strong root growth. Mix in some compost and a little tomato-specific fertilizer to give them a good start.

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially once the plants start to set fruit. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal for keeping water off the leaves and preventing disease. Stupice plants, while not as large as some varieties, still benefit from staking or caging to support their growth and fruit. Remove the lower leaves to prevent soil-borne diseases and improve air circulation. You might also want to prune out some of the suckers (side shoots that grow in the axils of leaves) to encourage larger fruits and a more manageable plant. Continue to use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, or as per the product’s instructions. Once the fruit sets, switch to a tomato fertilizer higher in potassium to encourage fruit development.

Regularly check your plants for signs of pests or disease. Early detection and organic control measures can prevent most issues. Using mulch helps in retaining moisture, controlling weeds, and preventing soil-borne diseases.

Harvesting Stupice 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 Tomato Garden Seeds

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

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

"As a gardener in a Northern state, I always appreciate cold-tolerant plants that I don’t need to baby as much! Stupice is a great option."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

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