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Tomato - Ailsa Craig - 15 seeds

Tomato - Ailsa Craig - 15 seeds

Regular price £0.49
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Low stock: 8 left

15 seed count

Tomato 'Ailsa Craig' is a classic heritage variety known for its excellent flavour and reliable performance. It produces medium-sized, round, bright red fruits with a juicy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. This indeterminate variety grows vigorously, reaching around 1.5–2 meters tall, and requires staking or support. It thrives in greenhouses but can also be grown outdoors in a warm, sunny location. 'Ailsa Craig' is a popular choice for home gardeners due to its early cropping and great taste, making it ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, and cooking.

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Planting Guide

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Sow

Sowing and Growing Guide

Tomato Ailsa Craig

Indoor Sowing

  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
  • Fill seed trays or small pots with a fine seed-starting mix.
  • Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and lightly cover with soil.
  • Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 18-24°C for optimal germination.
  • Seeds should germinate within 7-14 days.
  • Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into larger pots.
  • Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days.

Outdoor Sowing

  • Tomato Ailsa Craig is best started indoors; direct sowing is not recommended.
  • Transplant seedlings outdoors once the risk of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 10°C.
  • Choose a sunny location with well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost.
  • Space plants 45-60 cm apart in rows that are 60-90 cm apart.
  • Provide support with stakes or cages to encourage upward growth and prevent fruit from touching the ground.

Growing

  • Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
  • Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Feed with a balanced tomato fertilizer every 2-3 weeks once flowers appear.
  • Pinch off side shoots (suckers) to encourage strong, upright growth and better fruit production.
  • Harvest tomatoes when they are fully red, firm, and slightly soft to the touch.
  • Store harvested tomatoes at room temperature for the best flavor.