Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum

Rumsey's Red is a traditional-style tomato producing smooth, round red fruits to approximately 75 mm across. The medium-sized fruits are juicy and fleshy, with a classic tomato flavour and a useful size for everyday harvesting.

A versatile addition to the home garden, the fruits are excellent eaten fresh in salads, sandwiches and burgers, as well as for roasting, cooking and making sauces. Their manageable size also makes them convenient for bottling and preserving.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to grow, flower and set fruit throughout the season. Sturdy staking or trellising is recommended to support the climbing vines and developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Russian Red is a hardy tomato producing medium-sized, round red fruits with juicy flesh and a good traditional tomato flavour. The useful all-purpose fruits are excellent for fresh eating, salads, sandwiches, cooking and sauces.

Noted for its tolerance of lower temperatures, Russian Red is particularly useful in cooler districts and areas with shorter or less reliably warm tomato seasons. Its relatively early maturity also helps ensure a good harvest before conditions cool.

Plants are vigorous, tall and leafy with an indeterminate habit, continuing to flower and set fruit over an extended season. Provide sturdy staking or trellising to support the climbing vines and developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the tall climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 70–79 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Saint Pierre is an old traditional French tomato producing medium-sized, round red fruits approximately 6 cm across. The tomatoes have soft, thick, meaty flesh and excellent flavour, making them a versatile choice for fresh eating, salads, sandwiches, sauces and cooking.

A longstanding favourite in French kitchen gardens, Saint Pierre is valued for its dependable production and ability to perform in cooler growing regions. Plants can continue setting and ripening fruit late into the season, often producing right up until the first frost.

Plants are hardy, vigorous and indeterminate with regular-leaf foliage, producing moderate to high yields over an extended period. Sturdy staking or trellising is recommended to support the climbing vines and developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Salad Special produces smooth, globe-shaped red tomatoes to approximately 6 cm across. The medium-sized fruits have a juicy, fleshy texture and classic tomato flavour, with a convenient size that makes them particularly useful for fresh eating.

As its name suggests, this is an excellent salad tomato, easily sliced or quartered for everyday meals. The fruits are also a useful all-purpose size for sandwiches, burgers, roasting and general cooking.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, with a later maturity than many tomato varieties. The climbing vines continue to grow and set fruit through the season and require sturdy staking or trellising for support.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

San Marzano is the classic Italian cooking tomato, producing clusters of elongated, pear-shaped deep red fruits to approximately 10 cm long. The fruits have thick, meaty flesh, relatively few seeds and a high proportion of solids, with good resistance to cracking and useful keeping qualities after harvest.

Prized for sauce making, San Marzano cooks down into a rich, thick consistency without excessive liquid. It is an excellent choice for passata, tomato paste, purée, pasta and pizza sauces, bottling and drying. Its dense flesh and concentrated flavour have made this style of tomato a cornerstone of Italian cooking.

Originating around the town of San Marzano sul Sarno near Naples in southern Italy, San Marzano has become one of the world's best-known paste tomatoes. Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, producing their characteristic clusters over an extended season and benefiting from sturdy staking or trellising.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 70–90 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Santorini produces flattened, round red tomatoes with juicy, fleshy interiors and a rich, full tomato flavour. The fruits are excellent eaten fresh in salads and sandwiches, while their flavour and texture also make them particularly good for cooking and sauces.

Despite sometimes being described as Italian, Santorini tomatoes are associated with the Greek island of Santorini, where tomatoes have been cultivated since the nineteenth century. The island became particularly known for small, intensely flavoured tomatoes adapted to its dry, windy conditions and volcanic soils.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to flower and set fruit throughout the season. Provide sturdy staking or trellising to support the climbing vines and developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 70 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Saturn is an Australian-bred tomato producing smooth, round red fruits to approximately 6 cm across. The medium-sized fruits are a useful all-purpose type, with juicy flesh suited to fresh eating, salads, sandwiches and everyday cooking.

Once grown more widely in Australia, Saturn has become increasingly scarce, making its continued cultivation valuable for preserving Australian-bred vegetable varieties. Older locally developed cultivars such as this represent an important part of Australia's horticultural heritage and the diversity once available to home and market gardeners.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to flower and set fruit throughout the season. Sturdy staking or trellising is recommended to support the climbing vines and developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Scoresby Dwarf, also known as KY1, is an Australian-bred tomato producing round red fruits approximately 4–6 cm across. The fruits have excellent flavour with juicy, fleshy interiors and are a useful size for both fresh eating and cooking.

Particularly good for preserving, bottling and sauce making, Scoresby Dwarf combines productive cropping with useful disease resistance. The vigorous root system and disease resistance have also seen the variety used as a rootstock for grafting other tomato varieties.

Plants have a compact, determinate bush habit, making them easier to manage than large climbing tomatoes. Although generally requiring less training, staking or caging can help support plants when carrying a heavy crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Plants are compact and generally require less training than climbing varieties, although staking or caging can help support a heavy crop. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Scorpio is an Australian-bred tomato producing smooth, round red fruits approximately 6–8 cm across. The fruits are firm and juicy with good traditional tomato flavour, making them excellent for fresh eating, salads, sandwiches and cooking.

Developed specifically for Australian tropical and subtropical conditions, Scorpio is well adapted to warm growing regions. It is particularly valued for its resistance to wilt, providing greater reliability where soil-borne disease can make tomato growing difficult.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to flower and set fruit throughout the season. Sturdy staking or trellising is recommended to support the climbing vines and productive crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Silvery Fir Tree is an unusual and highly ornamental tomato producing slightly flattened red fruits on compact plants reaching approximately 60 cm tall. Its most distinctive feature is the finely divided, silvery-grey foliage, with delicate leaves resembling carrot tops and giving the whole plant a decorative, fern-like appearance.

The fruits have a distinctly tart, tangy tomato flavour and are particularly good cooked. Slice and grill or fry them as a breakfast tomato, roast them or use them in savoury dishes where their sharper flavour works especially well.

Compact and determinate, Silvery Fir Tree is an excellent choice for pots, patios and hanging baskets, combining an attractive ornamental plant with an edible crop. Its manageable size also makes it useful where garden space is limited.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 25 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows, or grow individually in large containers. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. The compact plants generally require little training, although light support can help when carrying a heavy crop. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 75 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Strobelle is a traditional-style tomato producing medium to large, smooth, round fruits. The substantial tomatoes have fleshy, juicy interiors and a classic tomato flavour, making them a useful all-purpose variety for the home garden.

The fruits are a versatile size for fresh eating, slicing into sandwiches and burgers, adding to salads and platters, or using in everyday cooking. Their larger size and fleshy texture also make them suitable for sauces and preserving.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to grow, flower and set fruit throughout the season. Sturdy staking or trellising is recommended to support the climbing vines and developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Stupice is an exceptionally early tomato producing medium-sized, round red fruits to approximately 50 mm across. The fruits have a rich, full tomato flavour that belies their early maturity, earning the variety third place in a Your Garden taste test.

Originating in the former Czechoslovakia, Stupice was bred for cool conditions and short growing seasons. Its ability to set and ripen fruit when temperatures are still relatively cool has made it an enduring favourite for temperate and cold-climate gardens.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, generally reaching around 1 m tall and continuing to produce over the season. Staking or trellising is recommended to support the vines and developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 60–70 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Sugar Lump is a sweet heirloom tomato producing smooth, deep red fruits approximately 40–50 mm across. The fruits are borne in attractive clusters of 6–12 and have excellent flavour, with a juicy texture and pronounced sweetness.

Known since the 1860s, Sugar Lump has survived as a garden heirloom for more than 150 years. Its small, flavourful fruits are excellent eaten fresh from the vine, added to salads and platters, or used for bottling and preserving.

Plants have a determinate bush habit, producing generous clusters on relatively compact plants. They require less training than climbing tomatoes, although staking or caging can help support plants when heavily laden with fruit.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Plants are compact and generally require less training than climbing varieties, although staking or caging can help support a heavy crop. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 75 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Sweet English is a small-fruited tomato producing smooth, round red fruits to approximately 40 mm across. The juicy fruits have a pleasantly sweet tomato flavour and a convenient size for picking and eating straight from the vine.

Excellent for snacking, salads, lunchboxes and platters, the fruits can also be roasted whole or used in sauces and everyday cooking. Their manageable size and sweet flavour make them a useful all-purpose addition to the home tomato patch.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to flower and set fruit throughout the season. Sturdy staking or trellising is recommended to support the climbing vines and developing crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

Sweet Marbles is a prized heirloom cherry tomato producing small red fruits packed with sweet, lively tomato flavour. The bite-sized fruits are excellent straight from the vine and are ideal for salads, lunchboxes, platters and roasting whole.

An early-ripening variety, Sweet Marbles is particularly useful in cooler climates and for late-season plantings where a quick crop is an advantage. Its ability to begin producing relatively early gives gardeners a better chance of harvesting ripe fruit before cool weather brings the tomato season to an end.

Plants are vigorous, remarkably productive and indeterminate, continuing to flower and set abundant fruit as the vines grow. Sturdy staking or trellising is recommended to support the climbing plants and heavy crop.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.