Organic 'Creamsicle Grape' Tomato
Organic 'Creamsicle Grape' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a mini-tomato with light orange flesh, sweet, aromatic and irresistible roasted or dried
The 'Creamsicle Grape' tomato is a modern heirloom variety bred by Fred Hempel , renowned for his intensely flavorful, striped varieties. Indeterminate, vigorous, and highly productive, it produces long clusters of light orange, grape-like fruit adorned with faint green stripes that disappear as they ripen. Their sweet, fruity, and subtly creamy flavor intensifies beautifully when roasted or dried , making them ideal for pasta, quick sauces, warm salads, or antipasti platters.
These small tomatoes are often described as "mini-paste tomatoes," offering a denser texture than most cherry tomatoes, while still maintaining a convenient cooking size. A sunny, elegant, and delicious variety, perfect for gardeners who enjoy growing versatile 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/carrying capacity : Undetermined, very productive
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Created by Fred Hempel, mild flavor intensified by cooking, youthful green stripes
Fruit color : Light orange with juvenile green stripes
Fruit shape : Grape / oval
Fruit size/weight : Small
Fruit type : Mini-paste / grape
Texture/flesh : Soft, dense, flavorful, concentrated when cooked
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 23–29 °C for rapid germination (5 to 10 days). Reduce watering and nitrogen during the hardening-off period to produce strong, compact seedlings.
Transplant outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24–36") apart, with 120 to 180 cm (4–6') between rows. Provide full sun , regular watering (level 3) , and sturdy staking , necessary to support the numerous and heavy grape clusters.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit is a uniform light orange . To accelerate ripening, pick fruit that has already begun to show color , then let it ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store it at 12–21°C and 95% relative humidity to preserve its texture.
Usage ideas
• Perfect with pasta , roasted or quickly sautéed
• Excellent dried , concentrating its sweetness
• Delicious in hot or cold salads
• Ideal for antipasti , bruschetta and pizza toppings
The 'Creamsicle Grape' tomato is a small orange marvel: sweet, aromatic, beautifully striped, and incredibly versatile. A perfect variety for those who love growing unique tomatoes that shine both raw and cooked.
