Organic 'Siberian' Tomato
Organic 'Siberian' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, an early northern variety with small, tasty red fruits
The 'Siberian' tomato is a heritage variety renowned for its ability to produce early in the season, even when nights are still cool. Compact yet naturally spreading, it forms a sturdy, generous determinate plant 50 to 100 cm tall , bearing an abundance of small, red, egg-shaped fruits. Their flavor is surprisingly rich for an early variety: a pleasant balance of sweetness and acidity, with firm flesh that holds up well both cooked and eaten fresh. This tomato is ideal for regions with short summers, gardens in cooler climates, or for those who want a quick harvest after transplanting.
Its medium-sized fruits ripen in clusters, resulting in abundant and concentrated harvests. Versatile, it is suitable for both novice gardeners and enthusiasts looking for a reliable, hardy, and easy-to-grow variety. 'Siberian' guarantees flavorful red tomatoes right from the start of the season, a treasure for those who want to extend their harvest window.
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 : Determinate, spread
Plant height : 50 to 100 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Very early, ovoid red fruits, rich flavor for an early variety
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 potting mix. Maintain a temperature of 23–29°C for rapid germination, usually in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to produce compact, strong seedlings.
Transplant outdoors once 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) . Its determinate growth habit requires little pruning, and light staking is usually sufficient to support fruit production.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit turns a deep red for optimal flavor. To get a head start, you can pick tomatoes that have begun to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store between 12 and 21°C with 95% relative humidity to preserve their freshness.
Usage ideas
• Ideal for simple salads , where its firm flesh holds up well
• Excellent for fresh salsas and quick recipes
• Perfect for canning , especially tomatoes in sauce or wedges
• Delicious roasted or candied, revealing a subtle but pleasant sweetness
The 'Siberian' tomato is a valuable ally for starting the season off right. Early-maturing, robust, and surprisingly flavorful, it guarantees quick and bountiful harvests, even where summer is slow to arrive.
