{"product_id":"ga-tomate-chocolate-lightning-bio","title":"Organic 'Chocolate Lightning' tomato","description":"\u003ch3\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eOrganic 'Chocolate Lightning' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from Gaia seed company, a powerful, striped, dark and intensely flavorful dwarf tomato\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The 'Chocolate Lightning' tomato is a remarkable creation of the \u003cstrong\u003eDwarf Tomato Project\u003c\/strong\u003e , combining the compact size of a dwarf plant with the rich aroma typical of large, dark tomatoes. Although classified as \u003cstrong\u003ean indeterminate dwarf\u003c\/strong\u003e , it is among the largest varieties in this category, forming vigorous plants with regular leaves capable of producing abundant harvests while remaining suitable for pots and small spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eIts \u003cstrong\u003e4- to 8-oz\u003c\/strong\u003e fruits are smooth and slightly flattened, boasting a \u003cstrong\u003edeep chocolate skin\u003c\/strong\u003e streaked with \u003cstrong\u003ejagged green and gold\u003c\/strong\u003e , creating a dramatic and striking effect. Its crimson flesh is rich, dense, and juicy, comparable to the finest black tomatoes, with an \u003cstrong\u003eintense yet well-balanced flavor\u003c\/strong\u003e that is sweet, fruity, and slightly smoky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e An ideal variety for gardeners in limited spaces who do not want to compromise on quality, beauty or flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCompanion plants\u003c\/strong\u003e : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNegative plants\u003c\/strong\u003e : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSpread\/carrying habit\u003c\/strong\u003e : Undetermined, dwarf, very vigorous\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePlant height\u003c\/strong\u003e : 90 to 120 cm \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e : 25 seeds\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCertification\u003c\/strong\u003e : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSpecial features\u003c\/strong\u003e : Productive dwarf variety, spectacular stripes, intense dark flavor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFruit color\u003c\/strong\u003e : Dark chocolate with green and gold stripes\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFruit shape\u003c\/strong\u003e : Flattened round\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFruit size\/weight\u003c\/strong\u003e : Medium (4–8 oz)\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eType of fruit\u003c\/strong\u003e : Dwarf tomato \/ compact beefsteak\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTexture\/flesh\u003c\/strong\u003e : Crimson, rich, juicy, balanced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFarming method\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Sow indoors \u003cstrong\u003e6 to 8 weeks before planting out\u003c\/strong\u003e . Bury seeds \u003cstrong\u003e3–6 mm (1\/8–1\/4\")\u003c\/strong\u003e deep in light potting mix at a temperature of \u003cstrong\u003e23–29 °C\u003c\/strong\u003e , allowing germination in \u003cstrong\u003e5 to 10 days\u003c\/strong\u003e . Reduce water and nitrogen during hardening off to encourage compact seedlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eTransplant after the last frost. Space plants \u003cstrong\u003e60–90 cm (24–36\")\u003c\/strong\u003e apart, or grow them in 3–5 gallon pots. Provide \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e , \u003cstrong\u003eregular watering (level 3)\u003c\/strong\u003e , and \u003cstrong\u003esturdy staking\u003c\/strong\u003e , necessary even for a dwarf variety due to the weight of the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting and preservation\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Harvest when the fruit has fully developed its \u003cstrong\u003edark chocolate color, marbled\u003c\/strong\u003e with green and gold. To hasten the harvest, pick the fruit as soon as it begins \u003cstrong\u003eto color\u003c\/strong\u003e , then let it ripen off the vine at \u003cstrong\u003e22°C or higher\u003c\/strong\u003e . Store the fruit between \u003cstrong\u003e12–21°C\u003c\/strong\u003e , at \u003cstrong\u003e95% relative humidity\u003c\/strong\u003e , to maintain its aromatic richness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eUsage ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e • Exceptional \u003cstrong\u003ewhen sliced\u003c\/strong\u003e , with its vibrant crimson flesh \u003cbr\u003e• Delicious in \u003cstrong\u003emixed salads\u003c\/strong\u003e , adding depth and color\u003cbr\u003e • Magnificent in \u003cstrong\u003etrays of heirloom tomatoes\u003c\/strong\u003e , for its spectacular pattern\u003cbr\u003e • Excellent when \u003cstrong\u003ecooked gently\u003c\/strong\u003e , concentrating its dark aromas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e The 'Chocolate Lightning' tomato is a compact powerhouse: rich, striped, aromatic, and incredibly beautiful. A modern heirloom variety perfect for gourmets seeking black tomatoes… in a dwarf plant.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53075564331168,"sku":"GAI-SEMENCES","price":4.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0655\/3878\/5440\/files\/Tomate_ChocolateLightning_bioGaia.jpg?v=1765297602","url":"https:\/\/www.pepiniere.ca\/en\/products\/ga-tomate-chocolate-lightning-bio","provider":"Pépinière.ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}