Organic 'Dwarf Wild Fred' Tomato
Organic 'Dwarf Wild Fred' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a dwarf, aromatic, slightly smoky, pinkish-purple variety, generous and perfect for containers.
The 'Dwarf Wild Fred' tomato is a modern heirloom variety from the Dwarf Tomato Project , selected and named in honor of Craig LeHoullier's father, Wilfred, whose name was unfortunately misspelled as "Wild Fred" in a church bulletin, giving rise to this humorous nod. Introduced in 2011 by Bruce Bradshaw, this indeterminate dwarf tomato combines generous yields , complex flavor, and a compact growth habit ideal for small spaces.
It produces medium-sized, purplish-pink fruits with juicy, sweet, aromatic flesh and a subtle smoky note reminiscent of black tomatoes. Easy to grow in pots or containers, it requires light staking to support its abundant clusters. An excellent option for urban gardens or gardeners looking for a flavorful tomato in a compact format.
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/growth : Indeterminate, dwarf, compact and productive
Plant height : 90 to 120 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Variety from the Dwarf Tomato Project, light smoky flavor, perfect for container gardening
Fruit color : Purple-pink
Fruit shape : Round to slightly flattened
Fruit size/weight : Average
Fruit type : Dwarf slicer / compact table tomato
Texture/flesh : Juicy, sweet, aromatic, smoky note
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 . Reduce watering and nitrogen during the hardening-off period to produce stocky, vigorous plants.
Transplant when there is no longer a risk of frost. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24–36") apart, or grow them in 3-gallon pots or larger . Provide full sun , regular watering (level 3), and light to medium staking to support the full clusters.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has reached a deep purple-pink color . To get a head start, pick the fruit that has just begun to color , then let it ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store at 12–21°C and 95% relative humidity to maintain its juiciness.
Usage ideas
• Excellent sliced for sandwiches and fresh salads
• Delicious in trays of heirloom tomatoes , offering a rich purple hue
• Perfect for pots or balconies , compact and abundant
• Superb when gently roasted , concentrating its smoky note
The 'Dwarf Wild Fred' tomato is a small powerhouse: compact, juicy, aromatic, and steeped in history. An ideal variety for gardeners who want the flavor of large tomatoes in a convenient dwarf format.
