The tomato variety ‘Sugar Grape’ is a rich cocktail tomato. We present the snack tomato in a profile.
The sugar grape ’cocktail tomato already bears loads of small, sweet fruits early in summer. In this portrait you will learn everything about the properties and cultivation of the ‘sugar grape’.
contents
- Sugar grape: profile
- Origin and history of the tomato variety ‘sugar grape’
- Properties and taste of the cocktail tomato
- Special features when growing sugar grapes
- Sugar grape tomato: care
- Harvest and use
Sugar grape: profile
| fruit | Cocktail tomato; deep red |
| taste | aromatic, very sweet |
| Ripening time | early |
| growth | Stick tomato, up to 3 m |
| Location | Pot, greenhouse, protected field |
Origin and history of the tomato variety ‘sugar grape’
The tomato variety ‘sugar grape’ has its origin in Germany, but the exact breeder is not known. Seed companies such as Reinsaat KG from Austria are increasing the ‘sugar grape’ as a maintenance variety. It received its cultivar approval back in 1994 and has since become an indispensable part of the assortment of every tomato lover, but also in organic cultivation. Sometimes the tomato variety
‘Mexican honey tomato’ also offered under the synonym ‘sugar grape’, but it is not a second name, but two separate varieties.Properties and taste of the cocktail tomato
‘Sugar grape’ is an indeterminate variety, it grows indefinitely. It has strong growth, can become very tall and reach a height of 300 cm. The ‘sugar grape’ variety is early ripening; the first fruits can be harvested from mid-June to the end of June. The harvest time lasts until the first frost.
The fruits of ‘sugar grapes’ are round and deep red in color. They are the size of a cherry and are therefore also offered as cherry tomatoes. The weight of each tomato is 15 to 20 grams. The fruits hang on the plant in long panicles. The taste is very good, aromatic and extremely sweet. The tomato variety ‘sugar grapes’ is solid and can therefore be propagated from its own seeds.
Special features when growing sugar grapes
The ‘sugar grape’ is suitable for cultivation in pots, greenhouses and in the protected field. A rain cover protects the cocktail tomato from bursting and others Tomato diseaseswhich can spread quickly via drops of water or high humidity. The young plants, which are sensitive to the cold, should only be put in the greenhouse from the beginning of May and outdoors and in pots from mid-May after the ice saints. For planting in pots, but also for difficult soils, we recommend using high-quality potting soil like ours Plantura organic tomato & vegetable soil. This has a loose, water-storing structure and is entirely sustainable Peat substitutes such as compost.
Fill a planter with a capacity of at least 10 liters to about a third with potting soil and put the ‘sugar grapes’ into it. Alternatively, dig a deep planting hole in the bed or greenhouse. The plant should disappear at least halfway into the bucket or hole in the ground. Snap off any leaves that are too deep and fill with soil. New, fine roots form along the plant stem when it comes into contact with the ground. In this way, the tomato plant grows well and quickly supplies itself with water and nutrients. Finally, water the ‘sugar grape’ well and secure it with a stick.
Sugar grape tomato: care
The cocktail tomato ‘sugar grape’ needs a good supply of water and nutrients throughout the summer. Tomatoes are heavy eaters, so they have a particularly high need for fertilizer. From June, you should therefore fertilize regularly. With the help of an organic liquid fertilizer, the nutrient supply is easy, especially on the balcony, but also in the open air and in a greenhouse. Our Plantura organic tomato & vegetable fertilizer is applied in a dosage of 5 to 15 ml to 5 liters of water when pouring. The essential nutrients it contains, such as potassium and nitrogen, thus reach the plant roots directly. Even acute nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing of the lower leaves, can be quickly cured in this way. That Skimming tomatoes is an important measure for this fast-growing variety. By letting up to four deep-seated stinging shoots stand, the cocktail tomato becomes more broad and bushier. Flowers and fruits quickly form on the side shoots. All other shoots in the leaf axils are regularly removed. The additional shoots should be tied well.
Harvest and use
The first sweet fruits of the ‘sugar grape’ can be harvested from mid-June. Many fruits often come together by the end of the season. The variety is very suitable as a snack tomato and is very popular with children, especially because of its sweet taste. Cocktail tomatoes are also well suited for drying or soaking in oil or vinegar. Sweet, tasty spreads, ketchup or salsa are also possible with the sugar grape tomato.
Another particularly aromatic variety is ‘Black Cherry’. We present you the spicy, dark red-purple variety in the profile.
