70 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycopersicum. Atkinson Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, humidity tolerant, indeterminate, slicing tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Atkinson Tomatoes come from Auburn University, where it was developed in the 60s. This tomato is perfect for the deep south where it is extremely humid. They develop medium sized bright red fruits. The plans can get extremely tall and are very prolific. ~7,500 seeds/oz. Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF Latin Name: Solanum lycoperscium (previously Lycopersicon esculentum) Hardiness Zone: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter Days to Maturity: 70 (from transplant) Days to Germination: 7-10 Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch Direct Sow: No Start Indoors: Yes Start Indoors 7-9 weeks before your last spring frost date. Tomato Type: Slicing - Larger, round tomatoes, the size of your fist or larger. Plant Spacing: 18-36 inches Row Spacing: 36 inches Plant Height: 36-96 inches Plant Width: 18-24 inches Growth Habit: Indeterminate - Indeterminate tomatoes are vine-type plants that sprawl (requiring a cage or trellis to support them) and continue to grow throughout the season. Indeterminate tomato plants will continue to produce tomatoes for the rest of the season, so you can harvest continually. Growth Speed: Mid - Ready to harvest 70 to 80 days from transplant. Tricky to get a tomato by the 4th of July with these varieties. They are good mid-summer producers for most USDA Zones. 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 Pests and Diseases: 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. Atkinson Tomato Color: Red Atkinson Tomato Flavor: Rich with a meaty texture. Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed Tomato Use: Slicing, sandwiches, and canning. Climate Tolerance: Humidity Growing Atkinson Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden To grow Atkinson Tomatoes, begin by sowing seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant the seeds at a depth of approximately 0.25 inches in well-draining soil. Maintain a consistent temperature of 70-80°F for optimal germination. Once seedlings are 4-6 inches tall with several true leaves, transplant them outdoors after the last frost. Ensure a spacing of 24-36 inches between plants to accommodate the vigorous growth of Atkinson tomatoes. Throughout the growing process, provide support for the tall and prolific Atkinson tomato plants, as they tend to grow to great heights. Staking or caging is advisable to prevent the plants from bending under the weight of the fruit. Maintain regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Companion planting with basil can help deter pests while enhancing the flavor of the tomatoes. Prune the plants selectively to improve air circulation and manage their height. Harvesting Atkinson Tomatoes Atkinson tomatoes are typically ready for harvest around 70 days after transplanting. Harvest when the fruits are bright red, firm, and fully developed. As an indeterminate variety, Atkinson will continue producing tomatoes throughout the growing season. Harvest by gently twisting or cutting the fruits from the vines. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production. About Atkinson Tomato Garden Seeds Atkinson Tomatoes trace their origin to Auburn University, where they were developed in the 1960s. This heirloom variety was specifically bred to thrive in the deep south, characterized by its humid climate. These tomatoes are medium-sized, bright red, and boast a rich, meaty texture with a delicious flavor. The plants exhibit exceptional height and prolific fruiting, making them an excellent choice for slicing, sandwiches, and canning. While Atkinson tomatoes can be grown in containers, their tall and vigorous growth habit may require additional support. Due to their height, hanging baskets may not be suitable for this variety. Tips From Our Gardeners "To maximize the yield of Atkinson tomatoes, provide sturdy support early in the growing season to accommodate the plant's impressive height. Regularly prune and train the plants to ensure a robust structure that can withstand the weight of the abundant fruit." - Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer Other Resources Guide to Tomatoes Atkinson Tomato Seeds Per Package: 250 mg - Approximately 66 Seeds 1/4 oz - Approximately 1,875 Seeds 1 oz - Approximately 7,500 Seeds 4 oz - Approximately 30,000 Seeds 1 lb - Approximately 120,000 Seeds 5 lb - Approximately 600,000 Seeds Non-GMO Atkinson Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
