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Growing Grapette Hybrid Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

To grow Grapette Hybrid tomatoes, start by sowing the seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Plant the seeds at a depth of about 0.25 inches in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a germination temperature of 65-85°F. These oblong, juicy, and sweet tomatoes thrive in full sun and can be grown in garden plots, raised beds, or greenhouses. As the Grapette Hybrid tomato is a semi-determinate variety, it exhibits both bushy and continual production characteristics. It grows to a height of 48 to 60 inches and typically matures in 70 to 79 days from transplant. For best results, maintain a spacing of 24 to 36 inches between plants and rows. Additionally, this variety is resistant to Fusarium Wilt (Race 1). Once the threat of frost has passed, and your Grapette Hybrid tomato plants are around 6-8 inches tall, they are ready for transplanting into your garden. When transplanting, be sure to set them at the same depth as they were in their pots. This will encourage a healthy root system and vigorous growth. With proper care and attention, you'll soon be enjoying clusters of these delightful, small, sweet tomatoes in your salads and other dishes.

Regularly monitor your plants for common pests such as aphids, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies, as well as diseases like powdery mildew, late blight, and bacterial canker. To address these issues, consider using organic neem-based products and maintaining a consistent watering schedule. In terms of companion plants, consider planting basil nearby. Basil can help repel certain pests while enhancing the flavor of your tomatoes. Additionally, marigolds and nasturtiums are known to deter aphids and other harmful insects, making them excellent companions for your tomato plants. To ensure a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy Grapette Hybrid tomatoes, provide proper support for the vines with stakes or trellises to prevent them from sprawling on the ground. Finally, keep your tomato plants consistently watered and maintain well-drained, loose, and slightly acidic soil for optimal results.

Harvesting Grapette Hybrid Tomatoes

The Grapette Hybrid tomato is classified as a semi-determinate variety, which means it will continue to produce fruit throughout the season, offering multiple harvests. To determine when it's time to harvest these juicy, sweet tomatoes, keep a close eye on their color and firmness. Grapette tomatoes turn a vibrant red when they're fully ripe, and you'll notice they have a slight give when gently squeezed. When it's time to harvest, gently grasp the ripe tomatoes and twist them off the vine, or use a pair of pruning shears to cut the stem just above the fruit. Be careful not to damage the surrounding vines or other tomatoes while harvesting. Since this variety produces clusters of 16-40 small tomatoes, you can choose to harvest the whole cluster or pick individual tomatoes as they ripen. The continual production of Grapette Hybrid tomatoes allows for a prolonged harvest season, and regular picking will encourage more fruit to set and ripen throughout the growing season.

About Grapette Hybrid Tomato Garden Seeds

The Grapette tomato was developed by breeders to emphasize its juicy and sweet characteristics, making it a delightful addition to garden plots and greenhouses. Its small, thin-skinned, oblong fruits weigh just 0.5 ounces each and are usually found in clusters of 16-40 on the vine. This tomato has quickly gained popularity and earned a reputation for its unparalleled sweetness and flavor. Interestingly, it was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Award of Garden Merit in England, recognizing its outstanding qualities.

While Grapette Hybrid tomatoes are typically grown in garden plots and greenhouses, they can also thrive in large containers. Due to their compact size and continual fruit production, they make a suitable choice for container gardening. However, they may not be ideal for hanging baskets due to their bushy growth habit and the need for adequate support. Whether in the garden or a container, this variety's unique flavor and production make it a favorite among home gardeners.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To boost the productivity of your Grapette Hybrid tomato plants, consider incorporating some organic matter into the soil before planting. Mixing in well-rotted compost or aged manure can improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. This organic enrichment provides a more favorable environment for the roots, promoting healthier growth and better fruit development. Plus, it encourages essential soil microorganisms that contribute to overall plant health. So, remember to prepare your soil with organic goodness for even more flavorful and bountiful Grapette tomatoes."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Grapette Hybrid Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 10 seed Packet
• 100 seed Packet
• 1000 seed Packet

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