Jersey Devil – an elongated tomato with strong flavour and low moisture content
What makes Jersey Devil special
Jersey Devil is a powerful plum tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) with meaty flesh and low moisture content – perfect for sauce, ketchup and oven roasting. An exciting variety to grow tomatoes from seed for anyone who loves intensely flavoured tomatoes.
Background and name
The variety comes from New Jersey, USA, and has become a favourite with home growers who appreciate a tomato that really delivers in the kitchen.
Appearance and growth habit
A tall-growing (indeterminate) variety that needs side shoots removed and tying up. The fruits are long, red and pointed – often 10–15 cm – with thick walls and very little gel.
Flavour and uses of Jersey Devil
Intense, full flavour with sweetness and umami. Fantastic for tomato sauce, stews and also for drying or oven baking.
Ripening time, resistance and storage
Ripens after about 75 days. Copes well with drought and heat. The fruits keep for several days after harvest thanks to their low moisture content.
Pollination tips
Shake the flower trusses in a greenhouse to ensure pollination.
How to grow Jersey Devil
Sow March–April. Plant out in a greenhouse or a warm, sunny spot. Remove side shoots and give support. Ripens after about 75 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 when the plants have their first true leaves. Harden off before planting out. Does best in a greenhouse or a warm spot outdoors. Give support, remove side shoots regularly and water evenly for the best results.
