Crimson Crush tomatoes are a popular choice for home gardeners seeking a reliable and flavorful tomato variety. This hybrid cultivar offers an appealing combination of taste and manageable growth, making it a favorite for cultivation in various garden settings.
Understanding Crimson Crush Tomatoes
Crimson Crush tomatoes possess notable characteristics. One significant attribute is strong resistance to late blight, a common and destructive fungal disease. While some leaf infection may occur, the plant typically fights off the disease, allowing fruit quality and yield to remain unaffected. This resilience, stemming from two specific resistance genes, makes it a resilient choice for outdoor growing, where blight is often a concern.
The fruit of the Crimson Crush tomato is distinctive in appearance and taste. These tomatoes are medium to large, generally round, and develop a deep red hue when ripe. Each tomato can weigh up to 200 grams, making them suitable for slicing and various culinary uses. Their flavor profile is full-bodied, with a balanced sweetness and a mild acidity that provides depth. The texture is firm but juicy, with an average skin thickness.
Crimson Crush tomatoes exhibit an indeterminate growth habit, meaning they continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the season until frost. This “cordon” type growth indicates the plant will develop a main stem that requires support. Plants can reach heights exceeding 120 centimeters (47 inches), necessitating robust staking or caging for optimal development. While primarily grown as single-stem cordons, some gardeners have found success growing them with less pruning, though consistent management is still needed.
Growing Crimson Crush Tomatoes
Crimson Crush tomatoes thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and fruit production. A sheltered location also benefits their development, protecting them from strong winds that can damage vines and fruit. They adapt well to both outdoor garden beds and greenhouse environments.
Crimson Crush tomatoes prefer fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root issues. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is ideal for tomatoes, promoting nutrient availability.
Sow seeds indoors in March or April, especially for greenhouse cultivation, or later in April for outdoor planting. Seeds typically germinate within 7 to 12 days when kept at temperatures between 18-21°C (65-70°F). Once seedlings develop two true leaves, transplant them into larger 7.5 cm (3 inch) pots. Plant outdoors after all risk of frost has passed, typically in May or June, spacing plants 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) apart for adequate air circulation and growth.
Consistent watering is essential, particularly as the plants grow and begin to set fruit. Maintaining evenly moist soil, rather than allowing it to dry out completely between waterings, helps prevent issues like blossom end rot. Fertilization should begin once the first fruits start to swell, using a high-potassium tomato feed weekly. Avoid fertilizing before fruit set, as this can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. As the plants mature, the strength of the fertilizer can be gradually increased.
Indeterminate Crimson Crush tomatoes require adequate support. Staking, caging, or trellising the plants helps manage their vertical growth and prevents fruit from touching the ground, reducing disease risk. Regular removal of side shoots, which are small growths appearing in the axils between the main stem and leaf branches, directs the plant’s energy into fruit production. In late summer, pinching out the growing tip of the main stem can encourage existing fruits to ripen before the end of the season. While Crimson Crush offers strong blight resistance, general pest and disease vigilance is still advised, as common issues like glasshouse whitefly or tomato moth can still affect plants.
Harvesting and Enjoying Crimson Crush Tomatoes
Harvest Crimson Crush tomatoes when they achieve a deep red color and feel slightly soft to the touch. Depending on planting time and local conditions, harvesting typically occurs from July through October. The first fruits are often ready 8 to 10 weeks after outdoor planting.
To harvest, gently twist or snip the tomato from the vine, leaving a small piece of stem attached to the fruit to prolong freshness. This method prevents damage to the plant and the fruit itself. For short-term storage, ripe tomatoes are best kept at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, to maintain their flavor and juiciness.
Crimson Crush tomatoes are versatile in the kitchen due to their balanced flavor and meaty texture. They are excellent when sliced fresh for salads or sandwiches, showcasing their full-bodied taste. Their juiciness yet solid flesh also makes them suitable for preparing homemade sauces or for canning and preserving for later use. Unripe fruits that begin to show color can be picked before the first frost and allowed to ripen indoors.