Organic 'Latah' Tomato
Organic 'Latah' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from Gaia seed company, one of the earliest tomatoes in the world, bright red, flavorful and ideal for short growing seasons
The 'Latah' tomato is a heritage variety particularly prized in northern regions for its exceptional earliness : it can begin producing only 50 days after transplanting , making it one of the very first red tomatoes of the season. Determinate, compact, and with regular foliage, it produces bright red , round fruits approximately 5 cm (2") in diameter. Its flavor is surprising for such an early tomato: sweet, balanced, fresh, and pleasant, with good shelf life and superior quality to many other ultra-early varieties.
Perfect for cool climates, windy regions, short-season vegetable gardens, or gardeners eager for their first tomatoes, 'Latah' is reliable, productive, and undemanding. A true little champion of the early summer!
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until ripening)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/carry : Determinate, compact
Plant height : 60 to 80 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Ultra-early (50 days), ideal variety for cold climates and short growing seasons
Fruit color : Bright red
Fruit shape : Round
Fruit size/weight : Small to medium (~5 cm)
Fruit type : Early Saladette
Texture/flesh : Juicy, sweet, good firmness for an early variety
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost . Place seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix. Maintain a temperature between 23 and 29°C for rapid germination (5 to 10 days). Reduce water and nitrogen during hardening off to produce strong, compact seedlings.
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . The determinate growth habit requires little staking, but light support may be helpful.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has turned a uniform bright red. To hasten the harvest, pick the fruit as soon as it begins to color , then let it ripen off the vine at 22°C or above . Store at 12–21°C , under 95% relative humidity , to maintain freshness.
Usage ideas
• Perfect for fresh salads , when you want a tender and sweet tomato early in the season
• Delicious as a snack , eaten straight from the garden
• Ideal for the first salsas of summer
• Excellent variety for northern gardens , unheated greenhouses, and beginners
The 'Latah' tomato is a little hero of cooler climates: fast-growing, reliable, flavorful, and generous despite its compact size. An essential heirloom variety to kick off the season in style.
