Solanum lycopersicum 'Shirley'
tomato 'Shirley'
A cordon tomato grown as an annual either in an unheated greenhouse or outdoors. Produces heavy trusses of medium sized red tomatoes from June to September.
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Red | |
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Climbing
- Genus
Solanum can be annuals, perennials, evergreen or deciduous shrubs or twining climbers, with simple or pinnnately lobed leaves and star- or bowl-shaped, 5-lobed flowers with prominent stamens, followed by fleshy fruits
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Start from seed or buy as small plants and grow on in a heated greenhouse or on a warm windowsill. Move to an unheated greenhouse or outside once all risk of frost has passed, and provide support for the plant to grow up. Water regularly to keep the growing media evenly moist; inconsistent watering can lead to splitting and rot. Feed every 10-14 days. See advice on cultivating tomatoes for more detail
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
Pinch out the growing tip when the plant has reached the desired height, either reaching the top of the greenhouse or support, or when the plant has set seven trusses indoors or four trusses outdoors. Regularly remove all side shoots.
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and whitefly
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), May be affected by Tomato leaf mould and tomato viruses. This cultivar shows good resistance to Tomato blight
Get involved
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