Determinate Tomato 'Zyska' (Solanum lycopersicum) - is a premium dwarf determinate tomato specially bred for small-space and container gardening. Reaching only 60–90 cm in height, it stays naturally compact, heat-tolerant, disease-resistant, and reliably high-yielding in our tropical climate, Zyska delivers consistent harvests year-round with minimal care. Its sturdy, dark-green foliage supports heavy clusters of elongated, bright-red fruits that weigh 80–120 g each.
What sets Zyska apart is its outstanding flavour: intensely sweet with a rich, aromatic depth, low acidity, and a perfect balance of juiciness and meaty texture — a true heirloom-like taste rarely found in compact varieties. Fruits ripen early (70–75 days from transplant) and keep coming in waves for months, even through Singapore’s heat and humidity.
Whether on an HDB balcony, corridor ledge, or rooftop corner, one or two pots can supply a family with fresh, superior-quality tomatoes week after week.
Growing:
Seed starting medium: Use a light, sterile seed-starting mix (cocopeat + perlite or fine compost). Do NOT use garden soil. pH 6.0–6.8. Growing medium for final pot: 50 % good potting soil + 30 % compost + 20 % perlite/vermiculite + slow-release vegetable fertiliser (NPK 10-10-20 or similar).
Pot size & final container: final pot: minimum 7–10 litres (better 15–20 L for maximum yield). Must have drainage holes. Black pots heat up fast – use light-coloured or double-pot.
Sowing depth: Sow 5 mm deep. Germination in 5–8 days.
Light for seedlings: Give 14–16 hours of very bright light daily (grow lights or morning sun + afternoon shade). Weak light = leggy seedlings.
Transplanting: Transplant when seedling has 3–4 true leaves (about 12–15 cm tall). Bury stem up to first set of leaves for extra roots.
Sunlight: Minimum 6 hours direct morning sun (until 1–2 pm). Afternoon shade cloth (30–50 %) is highly recommended to prevent sun-scald and blossom drop in 33–35 °C heat.
Watering: Water deeply every morning; keep soil moist but never waterlogged. In rainy season, move pots under shelter or use clear plastic roof. Reduce watering slightly once fruits start ripening to boost sweetness.
Fertilising: Week 1–4 after transplant: liquid feed every 7–10 days (high nitrogen). From flowering onwards: switch to high-potassium tomato fertiliser (e.g. 5-10-20 or 8-8-24) every 7 days. Add calcium-magnesium supplement once a month to prevent blossom-end rot.
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.
