Name: Organic 'Estamino' F1 Tomato Rootstock Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

F1 hybrid seeds. Solanaceae.

Gaia

Solanum lycopersicum.

From seed to harvest

Common nameEstamino F1 tomato rootstock.

FamilySolanaceae.

GenusSolanum

Specieslycopersicum.

CultivarEstamino

TypeF1 hybrid seeds.

Botanical nameSolanum lycopersicum.

Quantity per packet5 seeds

Organic 'Estamino' F1 Tomato Rootstock Seeds (Solanum lycopersicum). These tomato seeds come with practical growing details for Canadian gardens and local seasonal planning. This variety comes from the genus Solanum, forms the root system of a grafted tomato plant. It is selected to balance vigour and production while favouring fruiting. The variety grafted above it, called the scion, determines the harvested tomatoes’ colour, shape, flavour and size. These organic seeds are intended for gardeners prepared to graft and provide a suitable healing environment. Start seeds of the chosen scion in parallel. Estamino is an F1 hybrid, so seeds saved from the rootstock will not reproduce this selection true to type. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Sow rootstock and scion in clearly labelled containers using clean growing medium and provide adequate light from emergence. Their growth rates may differ; graft when healthy stems have similar diameters. Prepare grafting clips, clean tools and the healing area before starting. After joining, plants need high humidity and moderate light, followed by gradual acclimation. Do not move them directly from this protected environment into sun and wind. Plant out only after the graft has healed, conditions have warmed and frost danger has passed. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds. Starting tomato seeds with steady warmth supports even emergence; move each tomato seedling into bright light promptly. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds. Starting tomato seeds with steady warmth supports even emergence; move each tomato seedling into bright light promptly.

Keep the graft union at least 2.5 cm (1 in.) above the soil. If buried, the scion may produce its own roots and defeat the purpose of grafting. Inspect the plant base and remove any shoots arising from the rootstock. Install support suited to the grafted variety and follow that scion’s training needs. Keep a label naming both partners so results can be compared from season to season. Harvest dates and culinary uses belong to the scion; Estamino is selected for its root-system role in the grafted plant.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun.
Life cycle: Annual.
Hardiness: Cultivée comme annuelle après le dernier gel.

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

0.3 to 0.6 cm (0.12 to 0.24 in).

Spacing / density

60 to 90 cm (23.6 to 35.4 in.) between plants; 120 to 180 cm (47.2 to 70.9 in.) between rows.

Germination temperature

23 to 29 °C (73.4 to 84.2 °F).

Germination time

5 to 10 days at 23 to 29 °C.

Sowing period

Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Sow 0.3 to 0.6 cm deep in clean, lightly moistened seed-starting mix. Maintain 23 to 29 °C until emergence, then provide bright light.

Propagation

By seed; seed saved from an F1 hybrid will not come true to type.

Growing method

Start the rootstock and scion so their stem diameters will match at grafting time. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once true leaves develop, perform the graft under clean conditions and protect the union while it heals. Harden grafted plants off gradually and wait for reliably mild nights before planting outdoors. Keep the graft union above the soil, install sturdy support at planting and remove any shoots that form below the union. Adapt spacing and training to the grafted variety. Water slowly at soil level and maintain even moisture during fruit development. For indoor tomato seed starting, provide steady warmth and bright light after emergence. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

6.0 to 6.8.

Moisture

Evenly moist soil with no standing water.

Minimum temperature

Frost-tender; plant after the last frost once nights remain mild.

Care level

Moderate.

Watering

Mulch applied after the soil warms reduces evaporation and soil splash. Check container moisture more often and empty the saucer after watering.

Soil type

Choose fertile, loose, well-drained soil that holds even moisture without remaining saturated. Incorporate finished compost before planting and avoid cold or compacted ground. In containers, use vegetable potting mix rather than garden soil alone. Effective drainage keeps air around the roots and reduces problems caused by standing water.

Fertilization

Incorporate finished compost at planting. Supplement with a vegetable fertilizer according to its label and the soil’s fertility, especially in containers where frequent watering leaches nutrients. Avoid excess nitrogen, which favours leaves over fruit. Water a dry root ball before fertilizing and adjust applications to actual growth.

Seasonal care

Start seedlings warm in spring and pot them on before roots become crowded. Harden off and plant after frost in warmed soil. Install support and water deeply. In early summer, mulch, tie stems and inspect leaf undersides. Remove damaged leaves without stripping the plant. Maintain consistent moisture during fruiting, check ties and split fruit after heavy rain, harvest before frost and remove diseased residue. Clean supports and rotate crops the following year.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Recommended pot size

40 to 60 L, one plant per container.

Use a stable container with drainage holes and 40 to 60 L of potting mix for one plant. Place it in full sun where air circulates, anchor a cage or stake at planting and tie stems as they grow. Check moisture daily in hot weather, water until excess drains and never leave the pot standing in a full saucer. Fertilize moderately according to the product label and harvest regularly.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Depends on the grafted variety and how the plant is trained.

Width / spread

Depends on the grafted variety and training method.

Flower color

Yellow.

Foliage color

Green.

Foliage type

Herbaceous annual.

Growth rate

Varies with warmth, light and growth stage.

Growth habit

Vigorous tomato rootstock.

Bloom period

Flowering useful for harvesting is that of the graft. Remove the repulses from the rootstock so that they do not compete with the grafted part. The choice of the higher variety determines the type of fruit and its production schedule.

Fruiting

Harvest timing, fruit size and culinary use depend on the tomato variety grafted onto Estamino F1. Remove shoots arising below the graft and keep the graft union above soil level. The rootstock itself is not sold here as a fruiting tomato.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Basil, parsley and low flowers such as marigolds can grow nearby when every plant receives enough light and space. Flowers can broaden the range of resources available to beneficial insects, but no companion planting guarantees pest control. Keep the base of the tomato accessible for watering, inspection and tying stems.

Plants to avoid

Avoid overcrowding and do not grow Solanaceae in the same location year after year. Potatoes and tomatoes can share certain diseases, so crop rotation, clean garden practices and good air circulation are more important than a universal list of enemy plants.

Garden use

This rootstock has no direct culinary use; food uses depend entirely on the tomato variety grafted above it. Keep labels for both rootstock and scion, remove shoots that arise below the graft and never consume leaves or stems. Prepare only ripe fruit from the identified grafted variety.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Reported toxicity

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Flowers can be visited by bumblebees and other insects. The tomato pollinates widely itself and is not a major source of nectar. Various flowers around the vegetable garden extend the supply of resources for pollinators throughout the summer.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Estamino' F1 Tomato Rootstock seeds are in the packet?

The Gaia packet contains 5 seeds. Store unused Estamino F1 tomato rootstock seed in its labelled packet in a cool, dry, dark place.

How long do 'Estamino' F1 Tomato Rootstock seeds take to germinate?

Emergence generally takes 5 to 10 days at 23 to 29 °C (73.4 to 84.2 °F). Keep the growing medium evenly moist but never waterlogged, and provide bright light as soon as seedlings emerge. The tomato seed germination time for 'Estamino' F1 Tomato Rootstock should be judged against the verified range above rather than a fixed national calendar. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.