Seeds
A striking, heat-tolerant loose-leaf lettuce with deep red, frilly edges.
This unique hybrid produces gorgeous mahogany-purple cherry tomatoes that bring a gourmet aesthetic to the home garden. Beyond their striking appearance, dark tomatoes are known for their high anthocyanin content and a deeply rich, earthy, and complex flavor that standard red tomatoes lack. They are a standout ingredient for fresh bruschetta, savory tarts, and elevating the visual appeal of any fresh dish.
Light
Grows best with 6 to 8 hours of direct sun, which builds sugars in the fruit and keeps the plant sturdy. When summer temperatures soar in Karachi, Lahore or Multan, a light shade net over the afternoon hours protects flowers and fruit. Dark skinned fruits colour best with good sun exposure.
Water
Tomatoes like regular, deep watering that reaches 30 cm or more into the soil, rather than frequent light sprinkles. Swings between dry and soaked soil cause splitting and blossom end rot, so keep the supply as even as you can.
Humidity
Moderate humidity suits it. Very humid air encourages fungal disease and can affect pollination, so stake plants, prune for airflow and water at soil level, especially during Karachi's monsoon months.
Temperature
Comfortable across the wide range Pakistan offers, from about 15 up to 35 C, with the heaviest fruit set when days stay between 18 and 32 C. Through 35 C+ spells keep them going with afternoon shade, mulch and steady watering, and expect fruit set to pick up again as it cools. Sow from late January to March, or in August for autumn fruit.
Pets and children
The ripe fruit is safe to eat, and the ASPCA considers it non-toxic to dogs and cats. The foliage, stems and unripe green fruit carry solanine and tomatine, so keep pets away from the plant as these can cause drooling, vomiting and lethargy if eaten.
Soil
Plant in loose, compost rich soil that drains freely. A mix of garden soil, aged compost and cocopeat works well, and pots should hold 20 litres or more for deep roots.
Fertilizer
Tomatoes are medium feeders. Use a low nitrogen tomato fertiliser at planting, again when fruit set is well under way, and after the first picking, to avoid lots of leaves with few fruits. Indeterminate hybrid vines keep growing, so tie them to a strong stake or trellis as they climb.
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