Organic 'Thessaloniki' Tomato
Organic 'Thessaloniki' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a robust, tasty and ultra-reliable Greek variety
The 'Thessaloniki' tomato is a Greek heirloom variety dating back to before the 1950s. It is renowned for its early and abundant production of uniform red fruits weighing approximately 100 g (4 oz), which are firm, juicy, and have a perfectly balanced, sweet flavor. Its remarkable resistance to sunburn, cracking, spot, and rot makes it an exceptionally reliable tomato, ideal for both home gardeners and commercial growers. The vigorous, disease-resistant, indeterminate plants provide continuous harvests throughout the summer season.
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 : 100 to 180 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Highly disease-resistant, uniform and long-lasting fruit, excellent storage life, Greek heirloom variety
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 optimal germination in 5 to 10 days. During hardening-off, reduce watering and nitrogen application to promote seedling hardiness.
Transplant once all risk of frost has passed, spacing plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart and leaving 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3). As the variety is indeterminate, sturdy staking is essential to support continued growth and the numerous fruit clusters.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit has turned a uniform red. To get an earlier harvest, pick when they begin to turn pink and then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or above. 'Thessaloniki' fruit stores very well thanks to its firm skin and dense flesh. Store it at 12–21°C with a relative humidity of around 95%.
Usage ideas
• Perfect tomato for fresh consumption: salads, sandwiches, platters
• Excellent for canning thanks to its uniformity and resistance to cracking
• Very good for sauces, coulis and marinades
• An ideal variety for farmers' markets thanks to its durability and attractive appearance
• Durable and reliable, perfect for hot, humid or unpredictable climates
'Thessaloniki' is a heritage tomato of admirable robustness and consistency: a sure choice for anyone looking for a productive, resistant and tasty variety, capable of performing in almost any conditions.
