At a Glance
- Variety:Tomato
Ailsa Craig can be relied upon to give a good crop of medium sized fruits whether grown in a greenhouse or outside – which is why it remains so popular.
Sowing Time
January – May for indoor cropping
March – May for outdoor cropping
Sowing Indoors
Level fill a module tray with seed compost firming with the base of another tray. Water well with a fine rose. Sow seeds individually and cover with 1/2cm (1/4 in) layer of compost. Place in a propagator at 18-20 degrees Celsuis (65-70 Fahrenheit) or cover tray with cling film and leave in a warm room. Keep moist.
Growing On
When shoots appear, remove cling film. Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from direct sunlight. When plants have 4 leaves transplant to 9cm (3.5in) pots of potting compost. Grow coolly and steadily. Minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsuis (50 Fahrenheit).
Planting Out
Indoors – When the first flowering truss forms transfer to greenhouse border, grow bags or large pots 30cm (12in) apart in rows 60cm (24in) apart, minimum 10 degrees Celsuis (50 Fahrenheit).
Outdoors – Gradually accustom plants to outdoor conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out when temperatures exceed 10 degrees Celsuis (50 Fahrenheit).
Harvest
July – September
