Tomato ‘Ten Fingers of Naples’ organic

Organic ‘Ten Fingers of Naples’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, an Italian variety ideal for sauces and preserves

The ‘Ten Fingers of Naples’ tomato is an Italian heirloom variety from Naples , known for its elongated, finger-shaped fruits . Producing a bountiful crop , this medium-sized tomato ( 115 g / 4 oz) has firm, meaty flesh and few seeds , making it perfect for pures, salsas, sauces and preserves . Its indeterminate habit requires staking , but guarantees generous production throughout the season.

Type of tomato: sauce
Spread: Indeterminate habit, continuous growth
Plant height: 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per pack: 20 seeds
Companion plants: basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until maturity)
Enemy plants: potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash

Cultivation method

? Sowing: Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting , then transplant them into the open ground after the last frost , when night temperatures exceed 12C.
? Planting: Plant 3 to 6 mm (1/8 to 1/4″) deep , spacing plants 60 to 90 cm (24-36″) apart and rows 120 to 180 cm (4-6′) apart.
? Growth: Staking is necessary , as this variety produces abundant fruit clusters which can weigh down the plant.

Harvesting and storage

Harvest: Pick tomatoes when they reach their full bright red colour and are slightly firm to the touch. For optimum ripening , they can also be harvested when they start to change colour and left at 22C off the vine.
Short-term storage: Store tomatoes at room temperature , in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigeration, as this alters their texture and flavor.
Medium-term storage: Place them in a cool place (12-21C) with a relative humidity of 95% . Arrange them stem down , without them touching, to slow down their maturation.

Long-term preservation methods

Freezing: Cut into pieces or freeze whole for later use in sauces and soups
Drying: Slice them and let them dehydrate slowly for richly flavored sun-dried tomatoes.
Preserve: Transform them into coulis, tomato sauce or peeled tomatoes in jars , perfect for use throughout the year.

With its dense flesh, excellent yield and delicious taste , the ‘Ten Fingers of Naples’ Tomato is a must-have for lovers of home cooking and artisanal preserves.