Organic 'Cornue Des Andes' Tomato
Organic 'Cornue des Andes' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, an heirloom, meaty, rich and extraordinarily productive tomato-pepper variety
The 'Cornue des Andes' tomato is an iconic heirloom variety, originating in the Andes, easily recognizable by its elongated, horn- or pepper-shaped fruits . Semi-determinate, vigorous, and renowned for its very high productivity , it produces an abundance of meaty 4-6 oz tomatoes with few seeds and a rich, deep, and perfectly balanced heirloom tomato flavor .
Its dense texture and unique shape make it an ideal tomato for salads , fresh dishes , and especially homemade sauces , where it behaves like a paste tomato while retaining the authentic taste of heirloom tomatoes. Highly prized by gardeners and market gardeners, it yields regular and abundant harvests, even in sometimes challenging conditions.
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/Habit : Semi-determinate, vigorous
Plant height : 90 to 150 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Pepper/horn shape, dense flesh, very few seeds, very productive
Fruit color : Bright red
Fruit shape : Elongated, horn-shaped / pepper
Fruit size/weight : Medium (4–6 oz)
Fruit type : Pasty tomato / elongated salad
Texture/flesh : Meaty, dense, few seeds, rich flavor
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Bury seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in light potting soil. Maintain a temperature of 23–29 °C for germination in 5 to 10 days . During the hardening-off period, reduce watering and nitrogen to encourage vigorous seedlings.
Transplant after all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 45–60 cm (18–24") apart, with 120–180 cm (4–6') between rows. Grow in full sun (level 3) , water regularly ( level 3 ), and provide sturdy support , as semi-determinate plants can bear many heavy fruits.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit reaches a uniform bright red . To accelerate ripening, pick those showing their first signs of color , then allow them to finish ripening off the vine at 22°C or above . Store the fruit at 12–21°C , with 95% relative humidity .
Usage ideas
• Perfect in sauces , thanks to its dense flesh and few seeds
• Excellent in salads , with its firm texture and rich flavor
• Ideal for roasted or candied tomatoes
• Great for lighthearted pranks , taking advantage of its elongated shape
The 'Cornue des Andes' tomato is a heritage marvel: elegant, bountiful, meaty, and flavorful. A must-have for gardeners seeking a versatile tomato with the beauty and richness of heirloom varieties.
