The Crokini tomato is a miniature variety known for its sweetness and impressive productivity. This All-America Selections Edible Winner offers gardeners a continuous supply of delicious fruit, making it a rewarding choice.
Understanding Crokini Tomatoes
Crokini tomatoes are small, round, vibrant red fruits, typically weighing 0.5 to 0.6 ounces and measuring 0.6 to 0.8 inches in diameter. They are celebrated for their sweet and lightly acidic flavor, with a Brix level of 8.5. The fruits have a firm, crunchy texture and resist splitting on the vine.
Crokini tomatoes have an indeterminate growth habit, meaning they grow and produce fruit continuously until frost. This vining type can reach 5 to 6.5 feet tall with a spread of about 20 inches. Each plant is remarkably productive, yielding up to 300 sweet cherry tomatoes, often in clusters of 10 to 12. Crokini also offers good resistance to late blight and tomato mosaic virus, contributing to its reliable yield.
Planting and Cultivating Crokini Tomatoes
Crokini tomatoes thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous growth and fruit production. A sheltered position protects outdoor plantings from harsh winds.
Ideal soil for Crokini tomatoes is fertile, moist, and well-drained. Tomatoes generally prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. Enriching the soil with organic matter before planting improves drainage and nutrient availability.
Start Crokini seeds indoors from February to April for greenhouse cultivation, or March to April for outdoor planting. Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in a free-draining seed starting mix, keeping them at 15-20°C (59-68°F) until germination (7-14 days). Once seedlings develop two true leaves, transplant them into individual 7.5 cm (3-inch) pots.
Transplant outdoors after all frost risk has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 15°C (59°F). Acclimatize young plants to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting them 60 cm (24 inches) apart. Consistent watering is important to keep the soil evenly moist, especially as fruits form, to prevent fruit splitting. Fertilize with a high phosphorus blend at transplanting, followed by regular feeding with a high potash plant food once first fruit clusters appear. Due to their indeterminate nature and height, Crokini plants require sturdy support from canes, stakes, or cages.
Ongoing Care for Crokini Tomatoes
Maintaining Crokini tomato plants involves pruning, pest management, and watering. Pruning indeterminate varieties like Crokini redirects energy towards fruit development and improves air circulation, reducing disease risk. A common practice is removing suckers, shoots emerging between the main stem and leaf branches. Pinching them off when small (2-4 inches) concentrates resources into fruiting stems.
Removing lower leaves, particularly those touching the ground, prevents soil-borne diseases from splashing onto foliage. This also enhances airflow around the plant base. Regular observation allows early detection of pests or diseases, enabling timely intervention. While Crokini exhibits some disease resistance, maintaining plant health through proper care is the primary preventative measure.
Consistent watering is important throughout the growing season. Tomatoes need an even supply of moisture to prevent fruit disorders such as blossom end rot and cracking. Watering at the base of the plant, rather than overhead, keeps foliage dry and reduces fungal disease risk.
Harvesting and Enjoying Crokini Tomatoes
Crokini tomatoes are ready for harvest when their vibrant red color fully develops and they feel firm yet slightly soft. Their crack-resistant nature allows them to remain on the vine longer for optimal flavor. As an indeterminate variety, Crokini produces fruit continuously from July into October, until the first frost.
Harvesting regularly encourages the plant to produce more fruit, ensuring a steady supply. These small, bite-sized tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh, directly off the vine, or incorporated into salads for a burst of sweetness. Their balanced sweet and slightly acidic taste also makes them excellent for snacking, garnishes, or adding flavor to various cooked dishes. If storing, fresh tomatoes should be kept at room temperature for optimal flavor, but for longer preservation, they can be canned, dried, or frozen.