F1 Shirley

F1 Shirley Tomatoes

A firm favourite with UK growers! An early-maturing, hugely reliable tomato that produces heavy crops of firm, fleshy, flavour-packed red fruits on long, impressive trusses. Nothing like supermarket tomatoes — these beauties are rich, juicy, and full of real tomato taste. Plus, they’re known for strong vigour and excellent resistance to Tobacco Mosaic Virus, making them a brilliant choice for beginners and seasoned growers alike.

Best Time to Plant

• Greenhouse: April
• Outdoors: 3rd week of May, once all frost risk has passed. If frost hits young plants, the leaves may turn blue — they usually recover unless the main stem collapses (rare).

Harvest

Around 8 weeks after planting, once the tomatoes are fully red, glossy, and swollen.

Growing Instructions

• Planting: Space 45cm apart in well-drained soil, a large pot, or a growbag in a greenhouse.
• Hardening Off: No greenhouse? Start in a conservatory/windowsill, then acclimatise outdoors over 4–6 days.
• Watering: Keep consistently watered until established and during dry spells.
• Training:
– Use a vertical string or cane system about 6ft tall.
– Train the plant clockwise around the string.
– Pinch out all side shoots as they appear.
– When the plant reaches the top, loop it over and allow it to trail down while still removing shoots.
• Feeding: Only start feeding once 3–4 fruits per truss begin to swell - never earlier.
• Maintenance: Remove dead or yellowing leaves. In mid-August, pinch out the growing tip to ripen the final fruits.

Top Tips

• Avoid Problems: Irregular watering can cause blossom end rot and splitting — keep moisture levels steady.
• No Manure: Don’t use farmyard manure; it may contain harmful herbicide residues.
• Sun = Flavour: Position plants in the warmest, sunniest spot you have for the sweetest fruit.