Organic 'Frontenac' Tomato
Organic 'Frontenac' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a reliable Lanaudière variety, compact and rich in traditional flavour
The 'Frontenac' tomato is an authentic heirloom variety originating from the Lanaudière region, prized for its robust, tangy flavor , typical of old-fashioned tomatoes. Indeterminate but naturally compact, it produces medium-sized, dark red, slightly ribbed tomatoes with juicy flesh and a rich taste, perfect for fresh dishes, sauces, salsas, and everyday cooking. It particularly excels in cool climates or short growing seasons , making it a reliable choice for many Quebec gardeners.
Highly productive and disease-resistant, 'Frontenac' forms a dense, easy-to-manage plant, ideal for small vegetable gardens or container growing. It's a tomato with character: simple, reliable, and flavorful, deeply rooted in our local horticultural heritage.
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, compact
Plant height : 90 to 120 cm (3–4')
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Lanaudière variety, very hardy, highly adaptable to cold
Fruit color : Dark red
Fruit shape : Round, slightly ribbed
Fruit size/weight : Average
Fruit type : Table tomato / sauce
Texture/flesh : Juicy, tangy, rich in flavor
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Bury seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 23–29 °C to ensure germination within 5 to 10 days . Reduce water and nitrogen during the hardening-off period to encourage strong seedlings.
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60–90 cm (24–36") apart, with 120–180 cm (4–6') between rows. Provide full sun , regular watering (level 3) , and sturdy staking , even if the plant remains compact.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit is a uniform deep red . To get a head start, pick the fruit that has already begun to color , then let it ripen at 22°C or higher outside the vineyard. Store the fruit at 12–21°C , below 95% relative humidity .
Usage ideas
• Perfect in rustic salads , thanks to its tangy flavor
• Excellent in salsas and fresh sauces
• Delicious when gently cooked , simmered or roasted
• Ideal for classic sandwiches , juicy and rich
The 'Frontenac' tomato is a source of regional pride: flavorful, robust, productive, and perfectly suited to cooler climates. An essential heritage variety for gardeners seeking a traditional, reliable, and flavorful red tomato.
