(Lycopersicon esculentum) One of our first tomatoes to ripen and one of the last we are still picking in the fall. Medium/small flattened, pleated fruits reminded us of an orange version of one of our longtime standards, Ceylon with its miniature ruffle-y beefsteak look. Afghan is a beauty, often slightly blushing red at the blossom end in a sunburst pattern as well as in the center when sliced crosswise. Yields are almost oppressive. We found them to have excellent flavor and balanced acidity. I am often attracted to this size and class of tomato and think they make a lovely and diverse “saladette” size color and shape mix with the likes of Jaune Flamme, Ceylon, Black Prince, Matina…. Highly recommended and very early. Indeterminate. 70 Days. UO

Packet: 30-35 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow 5-8 weeks before your last frost date.

Transplant out after danger of frost (45+F nighttime temps).

Note: Don't start too early or plants will be leggy and root-bound! Tomatoes do well in clay to loam soils.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/8-1/4"

SPACING:

18-30" spacing in rows 5' apart.

EMERGENCE:

5-10 days @ soil temp 70-85F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Medium-Heavy. Prefers well-drained, well-balanced fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Note that excess Nitrogen will encourage foliage, not fruit! Low calcium and irregular watering will result in blossom end rot.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Row cover may be used for extra warmth and possible earlier fruit set.

Irregular watering can result in blossom end rot. Even watering and supplemental calcium can help prevent this.

Plant deeply to encourage healthy root structure.

Indeterminate varieties may benefit from pruning suckers to encourage air flow, plant health, and energy towards plant top and fruit.

Determinate varieties do not need pruning.

Trellis Indeterminate varieties! We really like the Florida weave.

Tomato, 'Afghan'