Sub Artic Plenty Tomato Seeds

Sub Arctic Plenty is an heirloom tomato developed in Alberta to tolerate the harsh prairie conditions. The successful result of a breeding program in the 1970s conducted by Dr. Harris at the Beaverlodge Research Station, Sub Arctic Plenty has the ability to flower and set fruit in cold temperatures. 

Claims have been made that it’s the fastest growing heirloom tomato, which makes it extremely valuable for growers in cold regions. Regardless of where you live, impatient gardeners will love this variety, as it is ready to harvest in as few as 42 days from planting. It is undoubtedly one of the best tomatoes for short growing seasons because it produces heavy yields within a short time frame. The plant is determinate and bushy, one sturdy stake or cage will provide plenty of support. Compact and productive, this variety is ideal for home gardens, containers and small spaces in general. Expect the stalk to reach 120 cm tall and burst with clusters of 3-ounce fruit in no time . The slightly flattened fruits are a bit larger than a cherry tomato, measuring 3-10 cm in diameter. 

Although it is one of the hardiest tomato varieties, don’t let the name fool you. While it will tolerate cold weather, frosts will still damage and kill the tender vines. When freezing temperatures threaten, be sure to cover the plant, bring it inside if possible or at least harvest the fruit. 

Northern growers take notice: This tomato is for you!

- Latin Name: Solanum lycopersicum
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 40-60
- Planting Depth: 5 mm - 1 cm
- Plant Spacing: 45-60 cm
- Row Spacing: 120 cm
- Growth Habit: Determinate

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

For most folks, tomatoes are an indispensable summer fruit. There are scores of heirloom varieties showcasing different shapes, sizes, colors, flavours and textures. Tap into this large selection when starting from seed. You have the ability to grow and eat your perfect tomato!

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost date. In flats or individual pots, plant seeds at 1 cm. Make sure soil stays warm and moist. The ideal temperature for germination is 21°C. Keep seedlings under lights, a few centimeters away from the top of the plants and adjust as needed. An oscillating fan will provide the young plants some resistance. This will result in stockier stems and more structurally sound tomato plants. Seedlings should be hardened off a week prior to transplanting.

When the soil is 16°c and all danger of frost has passed it is time to transplant. Pinch off any sets of lower leaves that are yellow or faded so more of the stem can be buried. Place roots deeply into the hole to the point that the bottom leaves are just above the surface of the soil. Roots will sprout from the stalk and provide a stronger base for the plant.

Provide a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Water well, about 5cm/week, mulch and feed every two weeks. Leave fruits on the vine to ripen as long as possible.

There are two main categories of tomato plants: determinate and indeterminate.

A determinate tomato is a bush-type plant, usually reaching about three to four feet tall, making them ideal for the small-space gardener. The fruits of a determinate tomato plant ripen all at once, which is useful for those who want to grow tomatoes for canning.

Indeterminate tomatoes grow continuously until the first frost and can reach six to twenty feet in height. Indeterminate plants produce tomatoes all season long for a continuous harvest.

If indeterminate varieties are being grown, be sure to set up tall trellises or cages to support the wandering vines. One sturdy stake and some twine should suffice for determinate varieties.

Tomatoes can easily be frozen whole, but never refrigerate a tomato. This will deteriorate its fresh garden taste and texture. Enjoy fresh throughout the season and make multiple batches of sauce and salsa to savour through the winter.

QUICK FACTS

- The ancestor of the tomato is native to South America, where the wild versions are the size of peas. The Spanish first introduced tomatoes to Europe during the 1500s. Unique varieties were developed over the next several hundred years to improve production, size, shape, colour, and flavour.

- Tomato seeds will remain viable for 5 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.