Ailsa Craig

Ailsa Craig Tomatoes

A classic British favourite, perfect for both greenhouse and outdoor growing. Producing uniform, medium-sized fruits with deep red colour and exceptional, rich tomato flavour. This variety is reliable, easy to grow, and ideal for salads, sandwiches, and cooking.

Best Time to Plant

In a greenhouse from April. If a harsh frost occurs, the plants may turn blue and lose some leaves, but they should recover as the weather warms. For outdoor planting, wait until the third week in May after all frosts have passed.

Harvest

Roughly 8 weeks after planting — pick when tomatoes are red, swollen, and glossy.

Growing Instructions

• Spacing & Planting: Plant 45cm apart in well-drained soil, a large pot, or grow bag.

• Support & Training: Use string or canes to train each plant clockwise up to 6 feet high. Once at the top, let stems hang down naturally, continuing to pinch out side shoots as they grow.

• Watering: Keep young plants well watered until established and during dry periods, avoiding waterlogging.

• Feeding: Feed only once 3–4 tomatoes start to swell — not before. Overfeeding can cause spindly tops, curling leaves, or splitting stems.

• Maintenance: Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep plants healthy and productive.

Top Tips

• Side Shoot Management: Pinch out side shoots to focus energy on fruit development.

• Water Evenly: Irregular watering can cause splitting or poor fruit set; keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

• Avoid Farmyard Manure: Chemicals in straw bedding can harm tomatoes and cucumbers.

• Harvest Regularly: Picking ripe fruits promptly encourages continuous production throughout the season.

• Sun & Shelter: A sunny, sheltered spot will maximise flavour and keep plants healthy.