Organic 'German Red' Tomato
Organic 'German Red' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a splendid German red tomato with an old-fashioned, robust and rich flavor
The 'German Red' tomato is a German heirloom variety prized for its large, 10-12 oz , fleshy, slightly strawberry- or heart-shaped red fruits with very few seeds. Indeterminate, vigorous, and extremely productive, it yields an abundant harvest of dense, juicy tomatoes with a robust, mature flavor balanced by a lingering sweetness that makes it ideal for thick slices and gourmet sandwiches.
Its indeterminate growth habit and regular foliage ensure continuous production throughout the summer. A truly authentic heirloom variety, it appeals to gardeners looking for a classic, generous, and deeply aromatic red tomato.
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 180 cm (5–6')
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : German heirloom variety, very few seeds, robust and sweet old-fashioned flavor
Fruit color : Bright red
Fruit shape : Strawberry or heart-shaped, slightly ribbed
Fruit size/weight : Large (10–12 oz)
Fruit type : Table tomato / meaty slicer
Texture/flesh : Dense, meaty, juicy, few seeds
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting out . Plant seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in light potting soil and 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 growth.
Transplant after all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60–90 cm (24–36") apart, leaving 120–180 cm (4–6') between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (level 3) . Sturdy staking is essential to support the large fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit reaches its characteristic bright red color. To advance the harvest, pick those that have already begun to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or above . Store at 12–21°C , under 95% relative humidity , to maintain their fleshy texture.
Usage ideas
• Exceptional in thick slices , perfect for sandwiches and burgers
• Delicious in heirloom tomato salads , thanks to its dense flesh
• Excellent for homemade salsas or Mediterranean dishes
• Ideal for roasting , concentrating its robust flavor
The 'German Red' tomato is a German classic that you absolutely must grow: generous, meaty, flavorful, and imbued with a rare authenticity. A heritage variety perfect for gardeners who love rich, traditional red tomatoes.
