Organic 'Scarlet Gem' Tomato
Organic 'Scarlet Gem' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a bright red cherry, sweet and generous
The 'Scarlet Gem' tomato boasts a profusion of tiny red blossoms that illuminate the plant like a summer garland. This heirloom, open-pollinated variety delights with its abundant clusters of bright red cherry tomatoes, boasting a sweet, clean, and slightly tangy flavor. Their flesh is juicy yet firm, bursting with a vibrant and thirst-quenching freshness. Indeterminate, it grows vigorously and produces continuously, offering a harvest that lasts all summer long. It ripens early, in about 60 days , making it ideal for climates with short growing seasons or for impatient gardeners.
Small in size but big on versatility, 'Scarlet Gem' is a welcome addition to salads, lunchboxes, grilled kebabs, or whole-tomato preserves, where it excels thanks to its thin skin and bright flavor. It's also perfect for snacking on straight from the garden, its sweetness seemingly made for enjoying on the go.
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 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Characteristics : Red cherry tomato, very sweet, quick ripening, abundant production
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Place the seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light, warm potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 23–29°C to encourage rapid germination, usually in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to strengthen the seedlings before outdoor planting.
Transplant outdoors 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) . Sturdy staking is essential to support continued growth and abundant fruit clusters.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit is a vibrant red, a sign of optimal flavor. To get a head start, pick tomatoes as soon as they begin to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C (72°F) or higher . Store between 12 and 21°C (54-70°F) with 95% relative humidity to preserve their freshness and texture.
Usage ideas
• Delicious as a snack , eaten straight from the vine
• Excellent in summer salads and colorful bowls
• Ideal for preserving whole tomatoes or for light fermentations
• Delicious roasted or grilled on skewers to concentrate its sugars
• Perfect for pizzas and pasta where it bursts with small touches of sweetness
The 'Scarlet Gem' tomato is a small, luminous marvel, offering natural sweetness and remarkable abundance. An essential variety for anyone who desires an early, productive, and irresistibly flavorful cherry tomato.
