Unwins Tomato (Cherry) Bumblebee Mix - 10 Seeds
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This guide is for home gardeners looking to grow unique, flavorful cherry tomatoes. The Unwins Cherry Tomato Bumblebee Mix offers a vibrant, eye-catching harvest of striped tomatoes rich in vitamins and antioxidants, perfect for salads and snacking. A key consideration is that these are indeterminate (vine) varieties requiring support and regular pruning. This product provides 10 seeds for cultivating a visually appealing and delicious tomato crop.
All features
| Model Part Number | Tomato (Cherry) Bumblebee Mix |
|---|---|
| Brand | Unwins |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
When is the best time to sow these seeds?
Sow indoors from February to April for the earliest harvest. You can also sow directly outdoors after the risk of frost has passed and temperatures are consistently above 10°C, though this will result in a later harvest.
Do I need to support the plants?
Yes, as these are indeterminate (vine) varieties, they require support such as canes, stakes, or wires. Training and tying them up is essential for healthy growth and fruit production.
How often should I water and feed my tomato plants?
Tomatoes are thirsty and hungry. Water them consistently, especially during dry periods. Feed regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for tomatoes, typically every 1-2 weeks once fruits begin to form.
What does 'indeterminate' mean for this tomato variety?
Indeterminate means the plant will continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit throughout the growing season until killed by frost. They require regular pruning and support.
Can I grow these in small pots?
While they can be grown in pots, they require large containers, a minimum of 30 cm diameter, to support their growth and fruiting needs.
What is the expected harvest period?
Harvest is typically from July to September, depending on when they were sown and the growing conditions.
How should I handle side shoots?
Side shoots are small growths that appear in the 'V' between the main stem and a branch. These should be removed regularly (pinched out) to encourage the plant to focus its energy on developing fruit on the main stem.
Troubleshooting
Seeds not germinating
Ensure consistent warmth (18-20°C), adequate moisture, and fresh compost. Check seed viability if old.
Seedlings are leggy or weak
Provide more light and ensure they are not kept too warm after germination. Avoid direct sunlight initially.
Plants failing to fruit
Ensure sufficient sunlight, adequate feeding (tomato-specific fertilizer), and proper pollination (can be aided by gentle shaking).
Fruit cracking
Maintain consistent watering, especially during dry spells, and avoid sudden fluctuations in soil moisture. This variety is bred to be crack-resistant, but extreme conditions can still affect it.
Yellowing leaves
This can indicate a lack of nutrients (especially magnesium or nitrogen). Ensure regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer suitable for tomatoes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Produces attractive, multi-colored fruit.
- High in vitamins and antioxidants.
- Resistant to cracking.
- Suitable for growing in containers.
- Good for both greenhouse and outdoor environments.
Cons
- Requires support (canes or stakes).
- Needs regular pruning (removing side shoots).
- Requires consistent watering and feeding.
- Best grown in a sunny, sheltered location.
- Longer growing season requiring early sowing.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Sowing Indoors (February to April):
- Fill a module tray with seed compost and gently firm.
- Water the compost thoroughly with a fine rose.
- Sow seeds individually and lightly cover with vermiculite.
- Place in a propagator at 18–20°C or cover the tray with cling film and keep in a warm room, ensuring the compost remains moist.
Growing On:
- Once shoots appear, remove the cling film.
- Keep seedlings in a bright location, avoiding direct sunlight.
- When plants develop four leaves, transplant them into 8 cm pots filled with potting compost.
- Grow in cooler conditions, maintaining a minimum temperature of 15°C.
Planting Out (after last frost, when temperatures exceed 10°C):
- Gradually acclimate young plants to outdoor conditions over 2–3 weeks.
- Transfer to large pots (minimum 30 cm diameter), grow bags, or plant directly into the border, spacing them 45 cm apart.
- Choose a sunny, sheltered spot, either in a greenhouse or outdoors.
Support:
- These are cordon/indeterminate/vine types and require support. Train plants up canes, strings, or wires.
- Crucially, remove side shoots as they appear to direct energy to the main stem and fruit production.
Care:
- Tomatoes are thirsty and hungry plants. Feed and water regularly.
- Ensure adequate ventilation in greenhouses on warm days.
- Once the growing tip reaches the top of its support, pinch it out. Allow a maximum of 6 fruiting trusses per plant for optimal fruit development.