- As it was developed in Canada, the Manitoba does well in cooler climates providing heavy yields of medium slicing fruit on small bushes making it a great container variety.
Tomato Seeds - Cherry - Manitoba
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60-70 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycoperscium. Manitoba Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, determinate, cherry tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, greenhouses. Resistant to Fusarium Wilt 1, Verticillium Wilt. This tomato plant does extremely well in cooler climates with short growing seasons. As the name indicates, these tomatoes were bred and developed in Canada. Manitoba tomato seeds grow non-vining bushy plants that produce large yields of plants early. Great for container gardening. These are medium-sized, short, round tomatoes great for slicing, cooking, salads, or canning. ~7,500 seeds/oz.
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Growing Manitoba Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
To grow Manitoba tomatoes successfully, start by planting the seeds indoors 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost date in your region. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 0.25 inches in fertile, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.2 to 6.8. Manitoba tomatoes are determinate, meaning they set their fruit all at once and end the harvest. To extend the harvest period, consider planting multiple plants at intervals of about a week apart. These tomatoes are well-suited for cooler climates with short growing seasons, making them an excellent choice for northern regions and Canada. Transplant the seedlings outdoors when all danger of frost has passed, and the soil temperature consistently reaches the desired range of 70-85°F. Space the plants 24 to 36 inches apart in rows that are 36 inches apart. Manitoba tomato plants are compact and bushy, making them suitable for small garden plots, raised beds, and even container gardening. They produce medium-sized, round, red tomatoes known for their sweet, savory, and juicy flavor with medium acidity. Manitoba tomatoes are not only great for fresh eating but also for slicing, cooking, salads, or canning. These heirloom tomatoes are known for their resistance to Fusarium Wilt 1 and Verticillium Wilt, making them a robust and reliable choice for your garden.
These determinate tomato plants necessitate special care. Provide them with some support, like stakes or small cages, to elevate the fruits off the ground, reducing the risk of rot and diseases. Additionally, lightly prune lower branches to enhance air circulation. Maintain a consistent watering schedule to keep the soil evenly moist, avoiding both drought stress and overwatering. Employ soaker hoses or mulch to aid moisture retention. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer, slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium, to promote fruit production over excessive foliage growth. Complement your Manitoba tomatoes with basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums as companion plants to deter common tomato pests and enhance flavor. Employ a three-year crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases, and use mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Protect your Manitoba tomatoes from early or late frosts using season-extending methods like row covers or cloches. By following these guidelines, you can anticipate a robust and bountiful Manitoba tomato harvest, even in regions with shorter growing seasons.
Harvesting Manitoba Tomatoes
The Manitoba tomato is a determinate variety, which means it sets its fruit all at once and concludes the harvest season. To know when it's time for harvesting, keep an eye on the tomatoes as they reach their full, vibrant red color and firm texture. A determinate variety like Manitoba will typically produce ripe fruits over a relatively short period, generally around 60-70 days from transplant. Once they've reached this stage, it's time to harvest. Carefully pluck the mature tomatoes from the vine by gently twisting them until they separate easily. Since Manitoba tomatoes are often used for slicing, cooking, salads, or canning, the fruits should be at their peak of ripeness when harvested for the best flavor and texture. Harvesting in a timely manner ensures that you enjoy the maximum flavor and quality of your Manitoba tomatoes.
About Manitoba Tomato Garden Seeds
The Manitoba tomato is a unique variety with historical significance. As the name suggests, it was bred and developed in Canada. Specifically, it thrives in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons, making it particularly well-suited for northern regions where traditional tomato varieties may face challenges due to frost dates. The Manitoba tomato was likely bred with a focus on early maturity and cold tolerance to ensure a reliable harvest in these cooler conditions. Its medium-sized, round, and flavorful fruits are excellent for various culinary uses.
While it's often grown in traditional garden plots and raised beds, its bushy, determinate growth habit also makes it a great choice for container gardening. However, due to its compact growth nature, it may not be the best candidate for hanging baskets, which typically require more trailing or vining varieties. Nonetheless, Manitoba tomatoes are a wonderful choice for gardeners in cooler climates looking to enjoy delicious homegrown tomatoes.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Consider using season extension techniques like wall o' waters or row covers. Since Manitoba tomatoes are bred for early maturity and cooler climates, these methods can provide additional warmth and protection, allowing you to plant them even earlier in the season and extend your harvest into late fall. Just make sure to remove these covers once the weather warms up to ensure the plants get the sunlight they need for optimal growth. This way, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes for an extended period, despite the challenges of a short growing season."
Other Resources
Manitoba Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 500 mg packet - Approximately 120 Seeds
- 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,875 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
- 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 30,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 120,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Manitoba Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping (opens in a new tab) on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Latin Name: | Solanum lycoperscium (Previously Lycopersicon esculentum, however this name is no longer accepted as correct) |
| Manitoba Tomato Color: | Red |
| ManitobaTomato Flavor: | Sweet, savory, juicy, with medium acidity |
Growing Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 60-70 |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 24 to 36 Inches |
| Row Spacing: | 36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 18 to 36 Inches |
| Growth Habit: | Determinate - Determinate tomatoes are more compact, bush-type plants that set their fruit all at once and end the harvest. They won't continue to produce tomatoes after that. By planting multiple plants in intervals a week apart, you can continue to harvest for longer periods. |
| Soil Preference: | Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer (70-85 F) |
| Germination Temperature: | 65-85 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other Info
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Direct Sow: | No |
| Start Indoors: | Yes. Start Indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. |
| Tomato Type: | Cherry - Small round tomatoes that are typically the size of marbles but still smaller than a golf ball. |
| Plant Width: | 24 to 36 Inches |
| Growth Speed: | Early - Ready for harvest from about 60 to 69 days (or less, depending on variety) from transplant to harvest. Including time for indoor seed starts, this can range to about 130 days (or less depending on the variety) from sowing the seed to harvest. To have a tomato by the 4th of July, you would have to start seeds indoors from mid to late February and transplant by mid-April at the latest. |
| Pests and Diseases: | Resistant to Fusarium Wilt 1, Verticillium Wilt. Common pests known to harm tomato plants, in general, include the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies. Also, watch for common diseases such as blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Most of these can be prevented by maintaining a regular watering schedule and avoiding overwatering. Regularly check your plants for pest damage throughout the season. For treating pest and disease problems, we recommend using an organic neem-based product. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed |
| Tomato Use: | Salads, fresh eating, small slicing, etc. |
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