Piennolo Del Vesuvio - Cherry tomato
This very old variety produces abundant clusters of pear-shaped cherry tomatoes weighing 20 to 30 g and ending in a nipple. It is a sweet-tasting drying tomato.
What are the characteristics of the Vesuvius tomato?
The Vesuvius tomato or Pomodorino del Piennolo del Vesuvio, Solanum lycopersicum, is an ancient variety native to Campania in Italy. It is traditionally grown on the dark, fertile slopes of Vesuvius. This mid-season variety has an indeterminate growth habit. Its red fruits weigh between 20 and 30 g and end in a point, with thick skin and not very juicy flesh. In Naples, these small, sweet cherry tomatoes are tied in bunches and hung from the ceiling in a dry, ventilated place. They will keep for 6 months over winter.
How to sow Vesuvius tomato seeds?
Vesuvius tomato seeds can be sown from February to April, in pots or trays, under a very bright shelter and at a temperature of between 16 and 20°C.
- Bury seeds 5-7 mm deep in potting soil;
- Water the seeds abundantly;
- Grow tomatoes indoors under a source of light or in a heated greenhouse;
- Transplant into pots for the first time when the tomato plants reach the stage of 2 to 4 true leaves. Bury the stem up to the two cotyledons to encourage root development and keep the tomatoes out of the cold;
- For 4 to 7 days before planting, take the tomatoes outside during the day to acclimatize them to the outdoors;
- As soon as the plants are strong, transplant the whole clump into the ground in full sunlight, after the last frosts (ice saints in May). Tomatoes destined for greenhouses can be planted when the indoor temperature no longer falls below 10°C;
- Maintain a minimum distance of 50 cm between tomato plants, burying the stem up to the first leaves;
- Water tomato plants regularly after planting, without wetting the leaves and flowers.
To maintain a healthy crop, we recommend planting companion plants between tomatoes. Oregon Lei Mix tagetes and lemon basil keep pests away from the plantation.
How to store Vesuvius tomatoes?
These small Italian tomatoes are harvested from June to October. To eat the dried fruit all winter long, hang them in bunches in a dry, well-ventilated place. This variety is also used to make tomato sauce.
How to eat Vesuvius tomatoes
This cherry tomato can be eaten raw or cooked, as an aperitif, in salad or soup. In Italy, its sweet flavor is used to season pasta, fish and meat dishes.
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Sow in pots at a temperature of between 16 and 20°C, under a well-lit shelter, 5 weeks before planting. After the last frosts, transplant the whole clump into the ground at a minimum distance of 50 cm, burying the stem up to the first leaves. Water abundantly at the time of planting.
Solanaceae need light and heat to produce. In cool climates, it's best to grow them under cover and, depending on the soil, water them regularly.
Solanum lycopersicum
From 20 to 30 g
35 seeds
Italy
This ancient Italian variety originates from Campania. It is traditionally grown on the dark, fertile slopes of Vesuvius.
