Organic 'Candy Stripe' Tomato
Organic 'Candy Stripe' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a spectacular striped beefsteak, sweet, juicy and generous in very large fruits
The 'Candy Stripe' tomato is a dazzling heirloom variety, as beautiful as it is delicious. Indeterminate and vigorous, it develops a sprawling habit, reaching up to 6 feet tall , while producing impressive 1- to 2-pound fruits. These juicy beefsteaks feature a stunning red and yellow marbling , with shoulders that develop a delicate pink hue as they ripen. Their flesh is sweet, slightly tangy, very juicy, and contains very few seeds —a valuable asset for those who enjoy large, flavorful slices and homemade sauces.
With its high productivity and unique appearance, 'Candy Stripe' shines as much in the vegetable garden as on the plate. It is a variety particularly appreciated by gardeners who love generous, colorful, and intensely flavorful tomatoes.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/carry : Indeterminate, sprawling
Plant height : 150 to 180 cm (5–6')
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Large, bi-colored beefsteaks, very few seeds, high yields, pink shoulders when mature
Fruit color : Red and yellow striped, pink shoulders
Fruit shape : Large, ribbed, beefsteak
Fruit size/weight : Very large (1–2 lb)
Type of fruit : Two-tone beefsteak
Texture/flesh : Juicy, sweet, slightly tangy, few seeds
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Place the seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix, and maintain a temperature of 23–29 °C for germination in 5 to 10 days . Then reduce water and nitrogen during the acclimation period to encourage vigorous growth.
Transplant once the risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24–36") apart, and leave 120 to 180 cm (4–6') between rows. Grow in full sun , with regular watering (level 3) , and provide very sturdy staking , essential for supporting its large fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has fully developed its red-yellow mottling and the shoulders have turned a pinkish hue. To speed up the season, pick the fruit when it shows its first signs of color , then let it ripen at 22°C or higher outside the vineyard. Store between 12–21°C , at 95% relative humidity , to preserve its juiciness.
Usage ideas
• Delicious in thick slices , for burgers and tasting platters
• Wonderful in two-tone salads , juicy and sweet
• Delicious in mild sauces or colorful coulis
• Perfect for trays of heirloom tomatoes , with its flamboyant pattern
The 'Candy Stripe' tomato is a true spectacle in the garden and on the table: massive, colorful, juicy, and full of sweetness. A generous and magnificent heirloom variety, essential for lovers of large striped tomatoes.
