Tomato 'Ricola Fire & Lightning' – Cordon Cherry Tomato (Set of 3 or 6)

Tomato 'Ricola Fire & Lightning' is a cherry variety grown as a cordon, carrying long trusses of sweet, bite sized fruit all season.

Plants reach around 100 to 200cm with support and spread 40 to 60cm, climbing steadily once tied in and side shooted. The trusses ripen in sequence rather than all at once, so picking carries on for weeks. It crops well in a greenhouse, a grow bag, a large container or a warm bed outdoors.

Plants are grown in peat free compost in Yorkshire and arrive with well established rootballs, ready to go into their final pot or bed once all risk of frost has passed. Water evenly rather than in fits and starts, since erratic watering causes blossom end rot and split fruit, and begin a high potassium feed once the first fruits start to swell. The fruit is for eating, but the leaves and stems belong to the same family as potato and are a known risk to pets.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Cherry tomato
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 100 to 200cm tall by 40 to 60cm across, with support
• Growth Habit: Vigorous climbing cordon, indeterminate
• Perfect For: Containers, grow bags, greenhouses and garden beds
• Foliage: Green
• Harvest Period: Summer into early autumn
• Planting Position: Full sun in a warm, sheltered spot. Grows well in patio pots and containers
• Soil Type: Fertile, moist, well drained soil or a good potting compost
• Hardiness: Not hardy. Killed by the first frost, so plant out only once the frosts have passed
• Maintenance: Needs staking or string support. Remove the side shoots as they appear and water evenly
• Seasonal Interest: Summer and autumn
• Type: Grow Your Own, tender annual crop