Organic 'Quinte' Tomato
Organic 'Quinte' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a vibrant carmine variety born from Canadian research and prized for its juicy sweetness
The 'Quinte' tomato is a heritage variety developed through the breeding program at Agriculture Canada's Smithfield Experimental Farm in Trenton, Ontario. Created in 1975 under the direction of breeder Jack Metcalf, it was designed to produce a classic, flavorful, productive tomato perfectly suited to the Canadian climate. Indeterminate and vigorous, it yields 12 to 20 nearly spherical, bright carmine-red fruits per plant, measuring 5 to 10 cm in diameter. Their flavor is mild, sweet, and juicy, with an easy-to-peel skin and no woody core , making them exceptionally pleasant to slice and cook.
'Quinte' grows to a height of 1.5 m , bearing fruit with elegance and consistency. Maturing approximately 130 days after sowing, it rewards the gardener's patience with a generous, uniform harvest of perfectly balanced flavor. This tomato, deeply rooted in Canadian horticultural history, remains an exceptional choice for lovers of heirloom varieties who desire a classic yet refined 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/Carry : Indeterminate, vigorous
Plant height : 150 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Carmine red, smooth, juicy fruit, easy-to-peel skin, Canadian variety developed in 1975
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C for rapid germination in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to produce vigorous, well-formed seedlings.
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . Due to its indeterminate nature, sturdy staking is essential to support the numerous fruit clusters.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the tomatoes have reached a uniform carmine red. To get an earlier harvest, pick the fruits that have just begun to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store them at 12-21°C with 95% relative humidity to preserve their juicy texture.
Usage ideas
• Delicious sliced fresh , juicy and sweet
• Ideal for sauces and coulis , thanks to its easy-to-peel skin
• Excellent for classic salads or various culinary preparations
• Perfect for canning , especially when peeled into wedges
The 'Quinte' tomato is a celebration of Canadian horticultural expertise: reliable, productive, balanced, and remarkably crimson. A heritage variety that deserves a prime spot in any vegetable garden seeking a traditional, flavorful, and historic red tomato.
