Alicante – flavourful, hardy tall tomato for northern climates
What is Alicante?
Alicante is a productive and robust tall-growing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that gives generous crops of bright red, medium-sized tomatoes with a sweet, classic flavour. It suits both greenhouse and open ground – ideal if you want to grow tomatoes at home with steady results.
Background and name
Alicante was developed in the UK and has since become one of the most popular tomato varieties among European hobby growers. It is known for even ripening, good flavour and reliable growth in changeable weather.
Appearance and growth habit
This is an indeterminate tomato that grows tall and needs both side-shooting and tying in. It produces trusses of round tomatoes of about 70 grams. The plant is vigorous and keeps fruiting all summer.
Flavour and uses
The tomatoes are sweet and aromatic with a mild acidity, which makes them excellent in salads, tomato soup, pasta and sandwiches. They are also good halved and roasted in the oven to bring out the sweetness.
Ripening, resistance and storage
Alicante has a mid-season ripening of about 70 days. It resists splitting and gives an even crop even in cooler or wetter conditions. The tomatoes keep well and can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
Pollination tips
For the best results in the greenhouse, help pollination by shaking the plant lightly or brushing the flowers with a soft brush. This improves the chance of more fruit.
How to grow Alicante
Start indoors in March–April in seed compost at 20–25 °C. Pot on into larger pots once the plants have their first true leaves. Plant out when the risk of frost has passed. Support the plant and side-shoot regularly. Does well in a greenhouse and in a sunny spot outdoors. Ripens about 70 days after planting out.
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.
