F1 Crimson Crush

Description
One of the best tolerance to the horrible disease blight on the market. Crimson Crush produces high yields of large (almost beefsteak size) tomatoes weighing up to 200g, and have an exceptional taste. If grown in an area where blight is a problem they can show some signs of the disease on the leaves however, this clever plant will carry on growing away from the problem and not show any more signs of blight!

Best time to plant
In a greenhouse in April If you have a harsh frost the plants will turn blue and you may lose some of the leaves, but the plant should still grow out of it when it warms up. If the main stem collapses then you have lost your plant but that is unusual. If you're planting outside, then the 3rd week in May is the best time to plant them after the frosts have gone.

Harvest
Roughly 8/10 weeks after planting. Once the tomatoes are red and swollen.

Growing Instructions
Grow on in a conservatory/window until all frosts have passed then slowly acclimatise them to the outdoors over 4-6 days and find the sunniest/sheltere position you have in your garden. Plant 45 cm apart and keep the young plants well watered until established especially in dry weather. As they grow pinch out the side shoots and support with canes. Tie each main stem to its support with soft garden twine. Feed only once you see 3-4 tomatoes starting to swell NOT BEFORE (this is because the plant will not want to reproduce if its being fed and watered nicely). Remove any rotting/dead leaves as the plant grows. The 2nd week in August pinch the growing tip out, this will encourage the top fruits to increase in size and set before the end of the season. WHAT ARE SIDE SHOOTS? The main growing stem of the tomato has branches coming out of it, at the start/base of that branch you may have what looks like a mini tomato starting to grow, this is a side shoot, the picture below shows exactly what to pinch out.

Tip
If the tops of your tomatoes are going spindly then you are not feeding them enough and if the leaves on the top are starting to curl then you are feeding too much. If the stem of the plant splits then you are over feeding. Irregular watering can cause all sorts of problems, make sure you water and feed the soil evenly, try to keep it moist (but not soaking or soggy.) DO NOT use farm yard manure on your tomatoes and cucumbers, as farmers sometimes use a hormone weed killer on barley/wheat/straw that is then used as bedding. This will dramatically harm your crop!