Golden Jubilee Tomato Seeds

Sowing: Begin by starting tomatoes indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Sow the golden jubilee heirloom tomato seeds in a flat at a depth of approximately 1 centimeter and space them 2.5 centimeters apart. Maintain a temperature of 21-24 degrees Celsius for germination, and ensure adequate light exposure either in a sunny window or under a grow light. Keep the soil consistently moist while ensuring proper drainage. When the second set of leaves appears, transplant the seedlings into individual pots, burying the stems up to the lowest set of leaves to encourage strong root growth. About a week before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, gradually expose them to outdoor weather conditions during the day to harden them off. Do not plant tomatoes outside until all risk of frost has passed. When the soil temperature reaches at least 21 degrees Celsius, plant the seedlings in full sun and nutrient-rich soil, burying the entire stem up to the lowest set of leaves once again. If using a trellis, space the plants 60 centimeters apart; if allowing them to spread, space them 90-120 centimeters apart. For companion planting benefits, consider planting tomatoes with carrots or onions, but avoid planting them near cabbage or potatoes.

Growing: Indeterminate tomato varieties typically benefit from trellising or support structures to protect them from pests and diseases associated with soil contact. Install supports before the seedlings develop vines, and as the vines grow, tie them to the support for proper development. Protect the plants from temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius, as this can damage production. Apply a thick layer of mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. Water the plants once a week, avoiding wetting the leaves. Regularly prune the "suckers," or shoots growing between the main stem and branches, to enhance production and plant strength.

To assess tomato ripeness, apply gentle pressure to gauge flesh yielding slightly. Additionally, mature color signals readiness. If stems resist detachment, employ scissors for cutting. While vine-ripened tomatoes offer optimal flavor, all tomatoes, including green ones, should be harvested at the onset of frost. Unripe tomatoes will ripen over time when stored in a warm, shaded area.

As cross-pollination is rare among most tomato varieties, isolation is typically unnecessary. Begin by selecting fully ripe tomatoes and halving them horizontally. Extract the pulp into a container. For smaller tomatoes like the Golden Jubilee heirloom, blending them in a blender is an alternative method, as their hard and slippery seeds remain intact. Allow the mixture to ferment for several days or until a thick layer of mold develops, effectively removing the gelatinous seed coating. Discard the mold and debris, retaining the viable seeds settled at the bottom. Rinse the seeds in a strainer under running water until clean, then spread them out in a sheltered area away from direct sunlight to dry. Stir them twice daily, and use a fan if humidity slows drying. Once fully dried, store the Golden Jubilee heirloom tomato seeds in a cool, dry place for up to four years.

Planting Methods: Indoor, Outdoor, Hydropnics

Blooming Season: Summer

Planting Season: Spring

Latin Name/USDA Zones: Solanum lycopersicum/ 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Sunlight Required/ Height: Full Sun/ 150-180 cm

Shelf Life After Test Date: The shelf life of Golden Jubilee Tomato Seeds after the test date depends on storage conditions. When stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, these seeds can remain viable for up to 2-3 years. Regularly check the expiration date on the seed packet to ensure optimal germination rates.

Seed Type: Open-Pollinated, Non-GMO, Heirloom

Soil Type: Loam Soil