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Growing Super Marmande VF Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

To embark on successfully growing these tomatoes from seed, start indoors 7-9 weeks before the final spring frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell in fertile, humus-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8, ensuring well-drained conditions. The beefsteak-type seeds typically germinate within 5-14 days. Once seedlings reach 2 inches in height and develop true leaves, transplant the strongest one per pot or space them 18-36 inches apart in the garden. Container gardening is also an ideal option for cultivating Super Marmande VF tomatoes.

Understanding the distinction between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes is crucial for successful cultivation. Super Marmande, despite its technical classification as indeterminate, leans towards semi-determinate tendencies. Semi-determinate tomatoes exhibit a compact, bushy growth pattern but send out extended vine stems that benefit from support. Unlike determinate varieties, which mature to a predetermined size and produce fruit all at once, indeterminate and semi-determinate varieties like Super Marmande offer continuous fruiting throughout the season, requiring robust support structures.

Provide sturdy stakes or cages to support the extended vine growth, preventing sprawl and facilitating efficient harvesting. Regularly inspect the plants for signs of pests or diseases, taking prompt action when needed to maintain overall plant health. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Preparing the garden for transplantation is a critical step in cultivation. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, amending it with organic matter for enhanced fertility. The semi-determinate nature of Super Marmande VF tomatoes requires thoughtful spacing to accommodate both bushy and vining growth patterns. Whether in the garden or containers, maintaining consistent soil moisture without waterlogging is essential for optimal fruit development.

Pruning plays a crucial role in maximizing the productivity and health of Super Marmande VF tomatoes. As a semi-determinate variety, these tomatoes benefit from strategic pruning to manage their bushy and vining growth patterns. Begin pruning when the plants reach a height of 12-18 inches. Focus on removing the suckers—the small shoots that emerge between the main stem and branches. By eliminating these suckers, you direct the plant's energy towards fruit production and promote better air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases. Use clean and sharp pruners to make precise cuts, and regularly inspect the plants throughout the growing season for additional pruning needs.

Proper fertilization is essential to ensure Super Marmande VF tomatoes receive the nutrients necessary for robust growth and fruit development. Start by incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil before transplanting. Begin fertilizing when the first fruits set and continue every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization, as excessive nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. Always follow the recommended application rates on the fertilizer packaging.

Harvesting Hybrid Super Marmande VF Tomatoes

As the fruit reaches its full ripeness, typically indicated by a vibrant red color and a slight give when gently squeezed, it is ready for picking. These tomatoes are known for their robust and rich flavor, making them a delightful addition to various culinary creations. Use clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears to harvest the tomatoes, cutting the stems carefully to avoid damaging the plant. Harvesting regularly, once the fruits are mature, encourages the plant to continue producing.

About Super Marmande VF Tomato Garden Seeds

This French heirloom tomato seed produces a juicy medium-large beefsteak tomato. Super Marmande VF is a European favorite, often served stuffed with the insides scooped out and tasty cheese stuffed.

Super Marmande VF is resistant to Verticillium Wilt and Fusarium Wilt (VF).

Super Marmande VF tomatoes, although technically indeterminate, exhibit semi-determinate characteristics, combining the bushiness of determinate plants with the extended vine growth of indeterminate varieties.

Super Marmande VF is an exceptional tomato variety developed for its unique combination of qualities, offering both the desirable characteristics of a beefsteak tomato and the manageable growth habit of a semi-determinate plant. This variety was carefully bred to exhibit robust vine growth, producing flavorful, large, and juicy tomatoes.

The development process involved selecting parent plants with specific traits, including exceptional taste, disease resistance, and the ability to thrive in various growing conditions. The result is a semi-determinate tomato that marries the best of both worlds, combining the extended harvest season typical of indeterminate varieties with the manageable size and bushiness associated with determinate types.

Enjoy the bounty of your semi-determinate tomato plants by incorporating the 10-16oz fruits into salads, sauces, or simply relishing their deliciousness on their own.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"This variety is truly one of the tried and true! With resistance to common diseases, it’s semi-determinate habit, and large, delicious fruits, it is a go-to tomato for many gardeners."

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Super Marmande VF Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 250 mg - Packet - Approximately 65 Seeds
• .25 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,875 Seeds
• 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk - Approximately 120,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Super Marmande VF Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.