(Lycopersicon esculentum) Pronounced “Lay-tah”, this is hands down the earliest tomato we have ever grown (and we think it should be called “Earli-ah”). Although developed by the University of Idaho (and named after the Idaho county) it seems to have gained more of a following across the pond in the UK than here in the PNW. Most years we plant out our tomatoes the third week of May. From Latah, we can often harvest our first basket of tomatoes the last week of June: yes you read that correctly, 5 weeks from 4” pot to ripe fruit! And that is outside in the elements, with no tricks other than a row-cover tunnel to keep the transplants warm at night for the first week or so. That is unheard of in this climate. Real tomato flavor too, juicy with bright acidity. Low bushy determinate plants bear 2-3oz salad size fruits prolifically. Some tendency for green shoulders but, come on... Are you really going to nitpick a 5 week tomato? Perfectly suited for containers as well.
Determinate. 50-60 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, 'Latah'