Determinate Tomato 'Gartenperle' (Solanum lycopersicum) - a compact, trailing cherry tomato variety known for its abundant clusters of bright red, 15–20 g fruits. It delivers an exceptionally sweet, juicy flavour with true old-fashioned tomato richness that far surpasses standard supermarket cherry tomatoes. Days to first harvest: 55–65 days from transplant (one of the earliest bush/ trailing cherry tomatoes). Height: 25–40 cm.
Key features:
- Highly suitable for pots, hanging baskets, and small-space gardening
- Remains productive in confined areas (ideal for HDB balconies, corridors, and window boxes)
- Heat and humidity tolerant – performs reliably in Singapore’s tropical climate
- Early maturing and heavy cropping; continues fruiting throughout the year
- Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit
For urban gardeners in Singapore seeking maximum yield and flavour from minimal space, Gartenperle is one of the most rewarding cherry tomatoes available.
Growing:
Use moist paper towel method to speed up the germination (optional).
Sow: Depth: 3–5 mm (barely cover). Germination: 5–8 days. Transplant: At 10–15 cm (2 true leaves) to final pot.
Minimum pot size: 20–25 cm diameter (5–8 litre). Larger (30 cm/10–15 litre) gives bigger yield.
Soil: Use light, well-draining mix: 50% good potting soil + 30% compost + 20% perlite. Do NOT use garden soil (risk of damping-off in our humidity).
Light: at least 6–8 hours daily. West- or south-facing HDB balcony/corridor is perfect. Morning sun + afternoon bright shade also works well.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water daily (morning is best) during dry spells; reduce slightly during rainy season. Use saucer but empty excess water after 30 min to avoid root rot.
Fertilizing: At transplant: mix slow-release 15-15-15 or organic pellet fertiliser into soil. Every 10–14 days: liquid feed with high-potassium tomato fertiliser (e.g., 5-10-30 or bloom formula) or diluted organic liquid (fish emulsion, seaweed).
Polination (Critical in High Humidity):
1. Shake plants gently every morning 9–11 am (mimics wind).
2. Use an electric toothbrush or small fan pointed at flowers for 10 seconds.
3. Spray flowers lightly with water in the morning (helps pollen stick).
Common Problems & Solutions in tropical climate:
1. Blossom-end rot → calcium deficiency + uneven watering → keep soil evenly moist + weekly calcium foliar spray.
2. Fungal diseases (early blight, powdery mildew) → improve airflow, prune lower leaves, neem oil spray weekly as preventive.
3. Fruit cracking → sudden heavy rain after dry spell → mulch heavily + shelter during storms.
4. Whiteflies & aphids → yellow sticky traps + neem oil + dish soap spray.
5. Caterpillars (tomato hornworm) → hand-pick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray.
The TSM Guarantee: It's our promise to ensure that all our products are strictly Non-GMO, and free from any possible harmful chemical compounds. All come from trusted and carefully selected small non commercial farmers worldwide providing fresh, safe supply. Specially sourced for Singapore.
