Tomato 'Alicante'

Tomato ‘Alicante’ is probably the most popular tomato grown by amateur gardeners.
It is a very versatile variety, suitable for growing either in a cold glasshouse or
outdoors. Reliable and well-flavoured, Alicante is ideal for everyday use in salads,
sandwiches and cooking.

Plant them out after the risk of frost has passed, usually late May or early June if
growing outdoors. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with rich, well-drained soil, or
plant in a greenhouse, cold glasshouse or even large pots and growbags. Alicante
likes support, so tie the main stem to a cane or string as it grows and regularly pinch
out the side shoots.

Keep the soil evenly moist, watering at the base rather than on the leaves to reduce
the risk of disease. Once the first fruits begin to set, feed weekly with a tomato
fertiliser. Continue to remove side shoots as the plant grows, and once five or six
trusses of fruit have formed, pinch out the top of the plant to encourage ripening.
Fruits are usually ready from July to September and should be picked when fully red
for the best flavour.

Alicante is a dependable variety that rewards even beginner gardeners with a long
season of delicious, home-grown tomatoes.