Ailsa Craig – tall-growing tomato with classic flavour and a reliable crop
What is Ailsa Craig?
Ailsa Craig is a classic tall-growing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that gives heavy crops of medium-sized red tomatoes. With its well-balanced flavour, it suits anyone who wants to grow tomatoes from seed and get a reliable, easy variety that crops early.
Background and name
The variety originates from the UK and is named after the famous rocky island of Ailsa Craig in Scotland. It has been a favourite with growers for over a century thanks to its even growth and excellent flavour. A real stalwart in both greenhouse and garden.
Appearance and growth habit
Ailsa Craig is an indeterminate variety, which means it grows tall and keeps growing through the season. It needs side-shooting and tying in. The plant bears trusses of round, red tomatoes of about 70–90 grams, a good size for both cooking and eating fresh.
Flavour and uses
The tomatoes have a fresh, balanced flavour – pleasantly sweet with a good acidity. Great in salads and sandwiches, in oven-roasted dishes or eaten straight from the plant. A must in the garden for anyone who appreciates classic tomato flavour.
Ripening, resistance and storage
Ailsa Craig is an early variety that ripens about 65–70 days after planting out. It has good resistance to splitting and copes well with cooler summers. The tomatoes keep fresh for up to a week at room temperature, but avoid the fridge for the best flavour.
Pollination tips
For a better fruit set in the greenhouse, shake the plant gently or use a soft brush to help with pollination.
How to grow Ailsa Craig
Sow the seeds indoors in March–April in seed compost. Keep at 20–25 °C until the seeds germinate. Pot on into larger pots with nutrient-rich compost once the plants have their first true leaves. Plant out when night temperatures stay above 8 °C. Side-shoot and tie in regularly. Does well in a greenhouse or a warm, sheltered spot outdoors. Ripens after about 65–70 days.
The price is for 10 tomato seeds
Sow in seed compost and keep the compost lightly moist until the seeds germinate. Pot on into larger pots with nutrient-rich compost once the plants have their first true leaves. Harden off before planting out. Does best in a greenhouse or a warm spot outdoors. Give support, side-shoot regularly and water evenly for the best results.
