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The Thessaloniki Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum), is a Greek tomato. The plant was introduced to America in the 1950"s. Since then it has become one of the most popular big red tomatoes because they are so easy to grow.

The Thessaloniki Tomato is best grown in hardiness zones 3-14. The soil must be between 75-90° F in order for the plant to germinate. If sowing outdoors, wait till nighttime temperatures are at or above 60° F until you start. You may be able to get a second harvest the following year.

Indeterminate plants mean that they have a vine growing habit. This means you need a trellis of some kind, but no worries, trellises are easy to come by. Even a functioning or old chain-link fence works great as a trellis.

Sowing: Sow tomatoes indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Keep soil at 75° F. Seedlings should emerge in 7-14 days. Or sow outdoors well after the last frost date when nighttime temperatures have stayed 60° F and above for two weeks, which is also the indicator to begin the transplanting process as well.

Transplanting: If sown indoors, harden off your plants for a period of two weeks before transplanting. Without hardening off, your plants may die from "transplant shock." Make sure you plant in an area that hasn't grown peppers, eggplant, potatoes, or other tomatoes for the last two years. Plant deeply, covering the roots and stem up to the first set of leaves.

Soil Preference: Keep soil warm and moist! Water a lot just after transplanting and maintain a moist but not soggy consistency. Make sure your soil has good drainage and won't be likely to accumulate standing water at the base of the plant.

Other Tips: Mulches can help keeps weeds down and maintain even soil temperatures, which contribute to a healthy plentiful garden plant. Thessaloniki Tomatoes require a trellis system of some kind. Simple cages and box trellises work just great!