Name: Organic bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato
Brand: Biologiquement vôtre
SKU: BIOV-SEMENCES
Price: 4.49 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Organic dwarf Wherokowhai tomato supported by a compact sturdy cage. The view shows a thick central stem, dense rugose potato-leaf foliage, small yellow flowers, and several oblate fruit weighing 115 to 400 g, changing from green to a rich yellow background with red swirls at maturity. during summer harvest. outdoors.

Organic open-pollinated bicoloured dwarf tomato Solanaceae

Organic fruiting vegetable seeds

Biologiquement vôtre

Solanum lycopersicum

From seed to harvest

Open-pollinated

Common nameWherokowhai bicoloured dwarf tomato

FamilySolanaceae

GenusSolanum

Specieslycopersicum

CultivarWherokowhai

TypeOrganic open-pollinated bicoloured dwarf tomato

Botanical nameSolanum lycopersicum

Reproducible seedsYes

Organic bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an open-pollinated organic variety created by the Dwarf Tomato Project and first offered publicly in 2014. Its stout dwarf plant carries dense rugose potato-leaf foliage. It produces a generous crop of medium to medium-large oblate fruit weighing 115 to 400 g that ripens with a rich yellow background and red swirls. Juicy meaty texture accompanies outstanding sweet, complex, well-balanced flavour that suits slices, salads, sandwiches, and tasting platters. The unusual colouring makes every mature fruit a distinctive edible garden centrepiece.

Sow Wherokowhai indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, approximately 0.5 cm deep in warm evenly moist seed-starting mix. Provide strong light immediately after emergence, pot seedlings up after true leaves appear, and harden them gradually. Once frost risk has passed, transplant in full sun into fertile organic-rich well-drained soil. Despite its dwarf habit, Wherokowhai continues producing through the season, and its heavy fruit requires a compact sturdy cage. The variety suits vegetable gardens, small spaces, and large stable containers. Secure loaded branches with soft ties before they begin to bend.

Water slowly and deeply at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then mulch after the soil warms to stabilize moisture. Feed moderately according to label directions without excess nitrogen, and support loaded branches. Maturity generally occurs around 75 days after transplanting. Pick when the background is rich yellow, red swirls are clearly developed, and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. Support the fruit with one hand, clip the stem with a clean tool, and arrange tomatoes in one layer. Discard any fruit that is mouldy, slimy, deeply split, or abnormal-smelling. Before frost, bring sound developed fruit indoors and handle it gently.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Warm-season annual

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

0.5 cm (1/4 in)

Spacing / density

Space plants approximately 90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in) apart to accommodate growth and air circulation.

Germination temperature

21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F)

Germination time

7 to 14 days

Sowing period

March through April indoors Adjust these dates to your local frost dates and soil conditions; Canadian growing seasons vary by region.

Propagation

Seed

Growing method

When to start tomato seeds indoors: 'Wherokowhai' tomato. Sow about 0.5 cm deep in clean seed-starting mix six to eight weeks before the local average last frost. Maintain 21 to 27 °C and steady moisture without waterlogging; germination generally takes 7 to 14 days. Provide strong light as soon as seedlings appear and pot them up after true leaves develop. Keep the cultivar label attached and handle young plants by the root ball rather than the stem. Harden them gradually to direct sun, wind, and cooler outdoor air. Transplant only after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed, choosing full sun and fertile, freely drained ground. Wherokowhai is dwarf and stout, with a thick central stem and rugose potato-leaf foliage. Install a sturdy compact cage or stake at planting, leaving ample room for light, airflow, and harvest access. Water deeply at soil level, then let the upper soil begin drying before the next thorough irrigation. Use moderate label-rate feeding; excessive nitrogen can delay flowers and ripe fruit. Begin checking about 75 days after transplanting. Harvest when the medium to medium-large oblate fruit develops a rich-yellow background with clear red swirls and yields slightly while remaining sound. Support loaded branches, avoid removing healthy rugose foliage unnecessarily, and bring developed fruit indoors before the first autumn frost.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Approximately 6.0 to 6.8

Moisture

Consistent soil moisture without saturation; good air circulation around the foliage.

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Large fruit on bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato benefits from an even water supply while it expands, since abrupt drought-to-soaking cycles can split developing tomatoes. Bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato's medium to medium-large oblate rich-yellow fruit with red swirls generally weighing 115 to 400 g is carried on dwarf and stout, with a thick central stem and rugose potato-leaf foliage growth, so extend watering beyond the stem as the supported canopy enlarges. The harvest guide for bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato is approximately 75 days after transplanting according to the dwarf tomato project; maintain moisture while younger clusters continue filling.

Soil type

Bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato needs generous, stable soil volume for its large fruit and sustained root activity. Prepare bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato's bed for dwarf and stout, with a thick central stem and rugose potato-leaf foliage growth bearing medium to medium-large oblate rich-yellow fruit with red swirls generally weighing 115 to 400 g, not only for the small spring transplant. Allow approximately 75 days after transplanting according to the dwarf tomato project for bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato to develop, providing soil volume that stays aerated after repeated watering.

Fertilization

Once 'Wherokowhai' flowers, favour steady growth over leafy surges. Apply every fertilizer at its labelled rate. For bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato, fruit development competes with foliage under excessive nitrogen. Measure label-rate feed rather than estimating a dose. Wherokowhai bicoloured dwarf tomato benefits from balanced fertility before its first trusses. Review growth stage before scheduling the next feeding. For 'Wherokowhai', its root zone needs consistent moisture while fruit enlarges. Build soil fertility gradually with finished compost. Fertilizer cannot correct water-related disorders on bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato.

Seasonal care

Seasonal care for 'Wherokowhai' tomato. In spring, sow Wherokowhai indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost and provide strong light immediately after emergence. Pot seedlings up after true leaves appear, then harden them gradually to outdoor conditions. Once frost risk has passed, transplant in full sun in the garden or in a very large, deep, well-drained container. Install a compact sturdy cage or sturdy stake at planting. In summer, check moisture often, especially in pots, and water deeply at soil level when the surface begins to dry. Mulch after the ground warms and feed moderately according to label directions. Secure new stems with soft ties without severely pruning the indeterminate habit. Inspect leaf undersides, monitor cracking, and promptly remove diseased tissue or damaged fruit. After storms, check support stability, reposition stems gently, and empty water collected in saucers. Harvest rich yellow swirled red oblate fruit frequently to enjoy the extended production. In fall, pick developed tomatoes before frost. Then remove the plant, discard diseased material, and clean the container, ties, support, and tools before storage. Throughout the season, adjust watering to heat, wind, and recent rainfall while keeping foliage as dry as practical. Regularly observing new growth and clusters helps identify problems early without unnecessary intervention. Keep the planting area free of fallen fruit and leaves, and use clean hands or tools when removing damaged growth.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Growing 'Wherokowhai' tomato in containers. For growing Wherokowhai in a pot, choose a very large, deep, stable container with several drainage holes. Fill it with airy vegetable potting mix enriched with a moderate amount of compost rather than compact garden soil. At planting, install a compact sturdy cage or sturdy stake capable of supporting the dwarf compact indeterminate habit and the weight of developing clusters. Place the container in full sun, preferably sheltered from severe wind while preserving good airflow. Water slowly when the surface of the mix begins to dry and always allow excess water to escape; never leave the pot standing in a water-filled saucer. A light mulch added after the mix warms helps stabilize moisture. Feed moderately according to label directions and check watering needs daily during hot periods. Rotate the pot if exposure is uneven, secure new stems with soft ties, and inspect support stability after strong wind. Pick ripe fruit regularly to keep clusters accessible and reduce damage. Before frost, bring developed tomatoes indoors, then remove the plant and clean the container, ties, and support before storage. Replace exhausted potting mix before the next planting cycle to maintain good drainage and root aeration.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Flower color

Yellow

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Compound, divided foliage with an aroma when bruised; grown as an annual in your region

Growth rate

Vigorous during the warm season

Growth habit

Dwarf and stout, with a thick central stem and rugose potato-leaf foliage

Edible parts

Ripe fruit

Bloom period

For 'Wherokowhai', successful vibration starts fruit development. Protect open flowers from abrupt water stress. bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato carries yellow, self-fertile flowers in small clusters. Good light and airflow help reproductive growth continue. For Wherokowhai bicoloured dwarf tomato, its flower clusters may drop blossoms during severe stress. Correct heat or cold stress before adding fertilizer. Breezes and bumblebees can release 'Wherokowhai''s pollen. Support stems before the developing harvest adds weight. For bicoloured dwarf 'Wherokowhai' tomato, another tomato variety is unnecessary for normal pollination. Keep Wherokowhai bicoloured dwarf tomato tied before fruit loads its trusses.

Fruiting

Small yellow flowers produce a generous crop of medium to medium-large fruit on a stout dwarf plant. Oblate tomatoes generally weigh 115 to 400 g and ripen with a rich yellow background swirled red. Harvest begins around 75 days. Maintain consistent moisture, support loaded branches, and pick when fruit is well coloured and slightly yielding. A compact cage keeps heavy fruit above the soil and protects loaded branches.

Days to maturity

Approximately 75 days after transplanting according to the Dwarf Tomato Project

Harvest

Harvest generally around 75 days after transplanting when skin has developed an even rich yellow with red swirls colour, shoulders are no longer green, and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. Tomatoes may remain firmly attached; clip the stem with clean pruners without tearing the branch. Arrange fruit in a single layer to prevent bruising. Check loaded branches during ripening and support them when needed. Before frost, bring sound developed fruit indoors. Do not eat leaves or stems, and discard any tomato that is mouldy, slimy, deeply split, or abnormal-smelling.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Wherokowhai can be combined with herbs in a compact edible garden, but its dwarf growth still deserves a defined planting space. Separate pots make it easier to give the tomato consistent care while moving smaller companions as needed. In a raised bed, keep low plants outside the canopy and preserve a direct harvest route. Avoid sharing supports with another vigorous crop. The aim is a manageable mixture of ingredients with suitable light and root room, not an overcrowded display based solely on the tomato's shorter stature.

Plants to avoid

Avoid waterlogged soil, overhead watering, crowding, and repeated rotations with tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, or potatoes.

Garden use

'Wherokowhai' tomato in the vegetable garden. Place Wherokowhai in a sunny vegetable garden, edible bed, or large stable container near a patio. Its stout dwarf habit suits small spaces where a tall tomato would be difficult to train. Install a compact sturdy cage at transplanting to support branches as 115 to 400 g fruit gains weight. Dense rugose potato-leaf foliage creates a structured focal point in an edible display. Pair it with low herbs grown in neighbouring containers without crowding roots. Keep access open for soil-level watering, leaf inspection, and harvesting without compressing fruit. Yellow tomatoes with red swirls contrast with purple or green varieties on a platter. Mulch after the soil warms, inspect the cage after strong wind, and arrange ripe fruit in one layer. In a large pot, check moisture daily during hot weather, rotate the container if exposure is uneven, and promptly remove fallen leaves or damaged fruit. Clear space around the plant supports airflow and comfortable routine care. The compact silhouette keeps tomatoes visible and makes red swirl development easy to follow as the yellow background deepens. A shallow harvest crate placed nearby encourages gentle handling. After heavy rain, check branch support and remove any split fruit before it deteriorates.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

'Wherokowhai' tomato in the kitchen. Wherokowhai tomato toast — Rinse one sound fruit under running water, remove the stem with a clean knife, and cut the tomato into thick slices. Arrange them on toast with fresh cheese, several basil leaves, and a drizzle of mild oil. Add a pinch of salt immediately before serving to preserve texture. Keep cheese and cut tomatoes chilled until assembly, then serve the toast promptly. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Do not eat tomato leaves or stems. Do not use any fruit that is mouldy, slimy, deeply split, or abnormal-smelling. Wash the board, knife, utensils, and surfaces after preparation. For a contrasting platter, accompany the rich yellow swirled red slices with yellow tomatoes and serve dressing separately. Transport the toast in a refrigerated container and do not leave it in direct sun for an extended period. Dense meaty slices also hold well on grilled bread when handled gently. Serve each prepared slice promptly while the toast remains crisp.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Supporting wildlife

Wherokowhai can be grown as a single tomato cultivar because its flowers are self-fertile. Bumblebees may help release pollen through vibration. A compact or dwarf tomato still needs ventilation, so keep companion flowers outside its foliage rather than packing every available gap in the container or raised bed.

Frequently asked questions

When should Wherokowhai be sown and transplanted in your region?

Sow Wherokowhai indoors from March through April, approximately six to eight weeks before planned transplanting. Place seed 0.5 cm deep in clean moist seed-starting mix, maintain 21–27°C, and avoid saturation; emergence generally takes 7–14 days. After emergence, provide strong light and rotate trays to encourage stocky plants. Pot seedlings up after true leaves appear, then gradually harden them to sun, wind, and outdoor temperatures. Transplant only after the last frost once soil has warmed and nights are sufficiently mild. Install a compact sturdy cage at planting so support is ready before heavy fruit develops. Water seedlings from below when practical and never leave trays standing in water.

What support suits Wherokowhai?

Wherokowhai has a compact dwarf habit, but its 115 to 400 g fruit can make branches bend. Install a short sturdy cage or several stakes at transplanting, then secure only loaded branches with soft ties. Check ties during growth so they do not constrict stems. This moderate support is particularly suitable for large containers and small gardens, keeps tomatoes above the soil, and improves airflow. After strong wind or heavy rain, inspect cage stability and gently reposition any displaced branch. Supporting fruit early also makes mature colour easier to inspect without repeatedly handling the tomatoes. This keeps fruit clean and accessible.

When should Wherokowhai tomatoes be harvested?

Harvest generally around 75 days after transplanting when the skin shows an even rich yellow with red swirls colour, shoulders are no longer green, and fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. Colour can vary with sunlight, so also judge texture and overall appearance. Tomatoes may remain firmly attached; clip the stem with clean pruners instead of pulling on the branch. Place fruit in a single layer to prevent bruising. Before frost, bring sound developed tomatoes indoors. Discard any fruit showing mould, a slimy surface, a deep split, or an unusual odour. Compare several fruit on the plant to recognize the best mature colour.

What container should be used for Wherokowhai?

Yes. Choose a large, deep, stable container with several drainage holes. Use airy vegetable potting mix enriched with a moderate amount of compost, then place the pot in full sun. Install a compact sturdy cage at transplanting because 115 to 400 g fruit can bend branches even though the plant remains dwarf. Check moisture daily during hot weather, water slowly until excess drains without leaving standing water, and feed moderately according to label directions. Secure loaded branches with soft ties, rotate the container if light is uneven, and inspect its stability after strong wind. Keep every drainage opening unobstructed. Harvest gently.

Can Wherokowhai seed be saved?

Yes. Wherokowhai is an open-pollinated variety whose seed can be saved. Choose a fully ripe fruit from a healthy true-to-type plant, extract the seeds with their gel, and ferment them briefly. Rinse thoroughly, then dry completely before labelling and storing them in a cool, dry, dark place. To preserve the variety more faithfully, separate it from other tomatoes or protect several blossoms before they open, because occasional crossing remains possible even though tomatoes normally self-pollinate. Use only clean, fully dry seed and label the harvest year clearly before storage. Keep the saved 'Wherokowhai' lot separate from eating seed, record the parent plants and harvest year, and store it only after every seed is fully dry. Before committing the main planting, a small labelled germination test can reveal whether storage preserved a usable lot without claiming that every offspring will remain identical.