Ailsa Craig

Ailsa Craig Tomatoes

A classic British favourite, perfect for both greenhouse and outdoor growing. Producing uniform, medium-sized fruits with deep red colour and exceptional, rich tomato flavour. This variety is reliable, easy to grow, and ideal for salads, sandwiches, and cooking.

Harvest

Roughly 8 weeks after planting — pick when tomatoes are red, swollen, and glossy.

Growing Instructions

• Spacing & Planting: Plant 45cm apart in well-drained soil, a large pot, or grow bag.

• Support & Training: Use string or canes to train each plant clockwise up to 6 feet high. Once at the top, let stems hang down naturally, continuing to pinch out side shoots as they grow.

• Watering: Keep young plants well watered until established and during dry periods, avoiding waterlogging.

• Feeding: Feed only once 3–4 tomatoes start to swell — not before. Overfeeding can cause spindly tops, curling leaves, or splitting stems.

• Maintenance: Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep plants healthy and productive.

Top Tips

• Side Shoot Management: Pinch out side shoots to focus energy on fruit development.

• Water Evenly: Irregular watering can cause splitting or poor fruit set; keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

• Avoid Farmyard Manure: Chemicals in straw bedding can harm tomatoes and cucumbers.

• Harvest Regularly: Picking ripe fruits promptly encourages continuous production throughout the season.

• Sun & Shelter: A sunny, sheltered spot will maximise flavour and keep plants healthy.