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Growing Traveler 76 Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

Growing Traveler 76 tomatoes from seed is a rewarding experience for gardeners looking for a heat and drought-resistant variety with a good flavor profile. To start, it's essential to begin the process indoors, approximately 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. This head start is crucial as it allows the seedlings to develop in a controlled environment before transplanting outdoors. When starting seeds, use a high-quality seed starting mix, such as Coco Coir, to ensure the best germination rates. It's important to avoid adding soil, fertilizers, or chemicals to the seed starting material, as these can negatively affect germination and increase the risk of disease and fungus.

Once the seedlings reach about 4 inches tall, transplant them into larger pots to encourage continued growth. Before moving the plants outdoors, they should be at least 10 inches tall and hardened off by placing them in a shady area for several days. This process acclimates them to outdoor conditions and reduces the risk of sunburn, wilting, and rain damage. Choose a sunny spot in your garden for planting, as tomatoes require plenty of sunlight. It's also beneficial to rotate the location of your tomato plants each year to prevent disease. The soil should be fertile, slightly acidic, and well-drained, with added well-rotted manure and compost to enrich it. Mulching with grass clippings or straw can help maintain soil moisture and temperature.

When transplanting, ensure the soil is warm, the timing is at least 3 weeks after the last frost, and that temperatures consistently remain above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Support is crucial for indeterminate varieties like Traveler 76, so use cages or stakes to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit. Regularly check the plants and pinch off suckers and side branches to encourage more substantial growth and fruit production.

Pest management is crucial for maintaining healthy plants. Monitor your tomatoes regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take action as needed. Using organic methods such as introducing beneficial insects or applying neem oil can help manage pests without harming the plants.

Watering is another critical aspect of tomato care. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and water the plants in the morning at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease. During dry and hot spells, water the plants thoroughly. Fertilization is also essential for healthy growth and fruit production. Use a slow-release fertilizer when transplanting outdoors, and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks to provide the necessary nutrients.

Harvesting Hybrid Traveler 76 Tomatoes

Harvesting Traveler 76 tomatoes is a straightforward process that requires careful observation and timing. These tomatoes are known for their dark pink color when mature, which is a key indicator that they are ready for harvest. The fruit typically weighs around six ounces, and when ripe, it should feel firm to the touch.When harvesting, it's best to gently twist and pull the fruit from the vine to avoid damaging the plant. Using a pair of garden shears can also be helpful, especially for tomatoes that are tightly attached to the vine.

About Traveler 76 Tomato Garden Seeds

Traveler 76 Tomato Seeds from True Leaf Market produce an open-pollinated variety of pink tomato originally developed for commercial Arkansas growers at the University of Arkansas Horticulture Department in the 1970s.

It is known for its good flavor, crack resistance, and dark pink color when mature. The fruit typically weighs around six ounces and is considered to be sweet, meaty, and juicy, making it suitable for sandwiches, salads, slicing, and canning.

The plant is indeterminate, meaning it will continue producing fruit until the season's first frost. It is also heat and drought-resistant, making it suitable for growing in warm areas.

These tomatoes can also be used in cooked dishes. They would work well in a classic tomato sauce for pasta, where their sweetness balances the acidity typically associated with tomato-based sauces. Similarly, they could be used in ratatouille, a traditional French dish combining various vegetables and tomato sauce.

Traveler 76 tomatoes are also suitable for canning due to their crack resistance. This means they can be preserved and used in recipes throughout the year, not just during their growing season. They can be canned whole, diced, or made into a sauce, providing a variety of options for later use in soups, stews, or other dishes.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"In my opinion, one of the most nostalgic American dishes is tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. Traveler 76’s flavor profile is particularly good for making soup! It is surprisingly easy as well. Simply roast tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the oven, and then add them all to a blender and puree. Delicious!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Traveler 76 Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 250 mg - Approximately 65 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,875 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 120,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Traveler 76 Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.