About this seed

Dwarf Maritime Bells (Solanum lycopersicum, family Solanaceae) is a compact tomato 60–90 cm tall that bears bell-shaped red fruit of 120–180 g. The packet holds 10 seeds.

Also known as: Tomato, Tamatar (Hindi), Thakkali (Tamil, Malayalam), Tamata (Telugu), Tomate (Spanish, French, German, Portuguese), Pomodoro (Italian), Domates (Turkish), Pomidor (Polish), Fanqie (Chinese).

Fruit and plant

Bushy dwarf plant, 60–90 cm, for containers, patios and small beds
Bell-shaped fruit, 120–180 g, smooth red skin, firm
Low water content and dense texture; good for slicing, sauce and preserving
Mild sweetness with a slight tang

Sow into soil at 16–29 °C

Tomato seed germinates well when the soil stays in its optimum range of 16–29 °C. At 20–30 °C seedlings typically appear in 6–8 days. Indoors, cover the seed with 3–6 mm of seed-starting mix. These figures are typical for the species, not a test of this packet.

Growing on

Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost and plant out after the risk of frost has passed, about 50 cm apart. The short plant needs little staking or pruning. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil; water regularly, mulch and feed occasionally.

When to expect fruit

Fruit ripens about 65–75 days after transplanting.

What you get

One packet of 10 seeds of Dwarf Maritime Bells. Tomato seed typically stays usable for 4 years or more when kept cool, dark and dry, so seed you do not sow this season can wait for the next.

FAQ

What makes the fruit bell-shaped useful?

The firm, dense, bell-shaped fruit holds together when sliced or cooked down, which suits sauce and preserving.

How much room does a plant need?

About 50 cm between plants; at 60–90 cm tall it fits a large pot or a patio bed.