Tempting Tomatoes - Goodhearted

This compact, cherry-size tomato has been hailed as a breakthrough. It is perfectly sized for growing in a container on your patio. For its size, it produces tons of ripe tomatoes. Tomatoes present prominently. Juicy fruits have a tender skin and perfect sweet to acid balance, with a Brix value of about 9. The somewhat heart-shaped tomatos are fun and interesting and look especially cool when sliced in half, which shows off the heart-shape to best effect. The tomato shape helps this veggie be ornamental as well as yummy. These plants will produce tomatoes for an extended period of time and thrive in heat and humidity. Fruit ripens in about 65 to 72 days. The plant is semi-determinate in the North and determinate in the South. Support should not be needed.

STARTING SEEDLINGS
In early spring, start indoors about 6 weeks before night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 in. deep and 1 in. apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 in. tall, transplant into individual 4-in. pots. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant. When night temperatures are reliably in the 55°F (13°C) range, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions.

Container Growing
Transplant one seedling per pot or basket that is at least 16 in. in diameter and 16 in. high. Container tomatoes need a location with at least 6 hours of sun per day. Use fresh potting mix to prevent soil borne disease. Mulch plants well and water regularly: in hot weather, pots may need water daily. Fertilize every other week with a low nitrogen fertilizer for strong plants and good yields.

HARVEST AND USE
Plants cascade attractively from their containers and are soon covered with tasty little cherry tomatoes. Pick and enjoy these cute little baby tomatoes frequently when red ripe to encourage the most production. For best flavor don’t store Litt’l Bites in the fridge.

Soil temperature: 75 - 80 degrees fahrenheit
Seeding depth: 0.25 - 0.5 inches
Germination days: 6 - 14 days
Grow on temperature day: 60 - 65 degrees fahrenheit
Weeks indoor: 5 - 6 weeks
Maturation days: 70 days