Vegetable fruit

• Crops in : July to October

Description

Tomato Vilma is a compact and bushy variety specifically bred for growing in containers. Each 50-60cm (20-24in) tall plant produces a heavy crop of sweet and juicy, cherry-sized tomatoes each weighing 20g (0.7oz) over a long picking period. Seeds are in the RHS Vegetable Collection.

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds March to April. Place seeds on the surface of a free-draining compost and cover with about 6mm (¼in) of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 18-21C (65-70F) until after germination, which takes 7-10 days.

Growing Instructions

Grow on at 15C (60F). Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant in final position when plants are 10cm (4in) high.

For indoor crops plant into growbags or pots. For outdoor crops, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting in containers for the patio, or in sunny, fertile, moist, well-drained soil, after all risk of frost has passed.

Aftercare

Feed plants weekly with a high potash tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set. It is not necessary to pinch out growth or sideshoot. Harvest fruits regularly to promote further flowers and to extend the picking season.