Cordon (Indeterminate). Firm, round, glossy scarlet-skinned fruits with ruby-red, dark flesh, up to 120g (4oz) in weight and greenback-free. Tomato Cristal is best grown under glass, although can be grown in a warm, sunny position outdoors. A good variety with excellent disease resistance. Seeds are in the RHS Vegetable Collection.
Sow seeds February to mid April 12mm (½ inch) deep in pots or trays of good seed compost, at 20C (68F) under glass or in a propagator.
When seedlings gain 2 true leaves, transplant into individual 7.5cm (3 inch) pots of compost and maintain a minimum temperature of 15C (59F). Pot on later into 10cm (4 inch) pots for stronger plants for planting out. Plant out end of May, or earlier if in a heated glasshouse, or when first flowers are showing. Allow 3 plants per growbag, 25cm (10 inch) pots or plant into the greenhouse soil. Outdoors plant out from early June after hardening off and once frost risk has passed.
Plants will require support. Feed with tomato fertiliser once first fruits setting. Harvest late July to October.
Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants and are rich in Vitamins A and C and lycopene, all helping to stimulate your body’s immune system.