Seeds, Tomato Optimax (West Coast Seeds)

Its tall, indeterminate vines produce loads of plump, oval fruits to 140g (5 oz) in size, popularly known as 'saladette' types.

The skin is firm but thin over thick, juicy flesh and a small core. Its indeterminate nature means that if the plants are kept picked, the fruits just keep coming over a very long season. Optimax is suited to cool or hot climates for indoor or outdoor growing. This tomato has high resistance to Alternaria, Fusarium races 1 and 2, bacterial speck, and Verticillium wilt.

Matures in 85 days. (Hybrid seeds)

Season Warm season

Exposure Full-sun

Timing
Start indoors in early spring over bottom heat. When seedlings germinate, remove from the heat and grow under bright lights. Grow seedlings on for 6-8 weeks at around 10°C (50°F). Early season tomatoes can be planted out once night time temperatures are reliably above 7°C (45°F) - or later. Other types should be transplanted out when night time lows are 10°C (50°F) or warmer - or later. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 25-35°C (68-95°F). With bottom heat seeds should germinate in 7-14 days.

Starting
Sow seeds 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep. Keep seedlings under very bright light to prevent legginess. You may have to pot on seedlings more than once before they go out to allow for root growth. Space bush (determinate) transplants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart and vine (indeterminate) types 50-75cm (20-30″) apart in rows 1m (3′) apart.

Companion Planting
Another sensitive plant when it comes to companions, tomatoes benefit from asparagus, basil, beans, borage, carrots, celery, chives, collards, cucumber, garlic, lettuce, marigold, mint, nasturtium, onion, parsley, and peppers. Avoid planting alongside Brassicas and dill. Corn will attract tomato pests, and kohlrabi will stunt tomatoes’ growth. Potatoes may spread blight to tomatoes, so keep them apart. Do no plant tomatoes near walnut trees.