Thompson & Morgan Tomato Primabella - 1 Seed Packet

A late variety of cordon cherry tomato, with dark green foliage and large cherry fruits with a del...

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This guide is for home gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow, blight-resistant cherry tomato variety. The key benefit is its resilience and delicious, non-sweet flavour, making it suitable for various growing spaces. A caveat is its specific temperature needs during germination. Tomato 'Primabella' is a late-season cordon cherry tomato known for its dark green foliage and generous yield of flavourful cherry fruits. It's versatile, thriving in pots, kitchen gardens, or greenhouses, and is ready for harvest from mid-July.

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Model Part Number79505
BrandThompson & Morgan

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FAQs

What is the main advantage of Tomato 'Primabella'?

Its primary advantage is its resistance to late blight, a common and often devastating tomato disease, making it easier to achieve a successful harvest.

Can I grow this tomato in a small garden?

Yes, Tomato 'Primabella' is well-suited for container gardening in pots (at least 25cm/10" diameter) or growbags, making it ideal for smaller spaces.

When is the best time to sow seeds?

For greenhouse cultivation, sow from February to April. For outdoor cultivation, sow from March to April.

How tall does the plant grow?

As a cordon variety, it can grow quite tall, reaching up to 200cm (79in) in height. It requires staking for support.

What kind of soil does it prefer?

It prefers fertile, reliably moist, and well-drained soil. Ensuring good soil structure is key for healthy growth.

When can I expect to harvest the tomatoes?

You can expect to start harvesting ripened fruits from mid-July onwards.

Does it need to be staked?

Yes, as a cordon variety, it requires staking to support its upward growth. A 5-foot cane is recommended.

Troubleshooting

Seeds not germinating

Ensure the seed compost is kept consistently damp and the temperature is within the ideal range of 15-20°C (59-68°F). Check for adequate moisture without overwatering.

Seedlings are leggy and weak

Provide more light. Ensure seedlings are not overcrowded and have adequate air circulation. Transplant into individual pots once they have true leaves.

Plants are not producing fruit

Ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight (at least 6-8 hours per day). Check for consistent watering and consider a balanced fertilizer once flowers appear.

Yellowing leaves

This can be due to overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture and consider a liquid feed if nutrient deficiency is suspected.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Excellent resistance to late blight.
  • High yield of flavourful cherry tomatoes.
  • Adaptable to various growing environments (pots, ground, greenhouse).
  • Simple to cultivate, suitable for beginners.
  • Can be harvested relatively early in the season.

Cons

  • Requires support (staking) as it grows vertically.
  • Specific temperature range needed for optimal germination.
  • Needs a sheltered position in full sun for best results.
  • As a half-hardy annual, it requires protection from frost.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Sowing (Greenhouse):

  1. Sow seeds from February to April.
  2. Use a good, free-draining, damp seed sowing mix.
  3. Sow seeds on the surface and cover lightly with compost or vermiculite.
  4. Place in a propagator at 15-20°C (59-68°F) until germination (7-14 days).

Sowing (Outdoors):

  1. Sow seeds from March to April.
  2. Follow steps 2-4 above, ensuring consistent warmth.

Transplanting Seedlings:

  1. Once seedlings have 2 true leaves, transplant into individual 7.5cm (3") pots.
  2. Grow on at a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F).

Planting Out (Greenhouse):

  1. Transplant at the end of May or when the first flowers appear.
  2. Allow 3 plants per growbag, one per 25cm (10") pot, or plant directly into greenhouse soil.

Planting Out (Outdoors):

  1. Wait until all risk of frost has passed.
  2. Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
  3. Plant out from early June when plants are approximately 20cm (8") tall.
  4. Choose a sheltered position in full sun.
  5. Ensure fertile, reliably moist, well-drained soil.
  6. Space plants 60cm (24") apart.

Support & Care:

  • Drive a 5-foot cane into the soil next to each plant.
  • Tie the main stem to the support using soft garden twine as it grows.

Compatibility:

  • Suitable for pots, growbags, greenhouse borders, and outdoor beds.
  • Thrives in full sun.

Care:

  • Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
  • Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once fruits begin to form.
  • Monitor for pests and diseases, although blight resistance is a key feature.