An early maturing tomato, Shirley crops heavily on short jointed plants. Nicely shaped fruit of fine quality. Resistant to TMV (tobacco mosaic virus), leaf mould, Fusarium and greenback. For greenhouse culture. RHS Award of Garden Merit winner.
(Cordon variety – one stem grown by pinching off side-shoots as they appear, needs staking and tying in.)
Growing Information
For greenhouse crops, sow February/April under glass 18-21°C (65-70°F). Grow in well prepared borders, large pots or growing bags, removing laterals as they appear. For outdoor crops, sow April under glass 18-21°C (65-70°F). Grow in warm, sunny positions in well prepared, moisture retentive soil allowing 45-60cm (1½-2′) between plants, and water regularly in dry periods. (16-18 weeks maturity.)
Sowing Information
Sow in a propagator on a windowsill or in a greenhouse at approx. 18-21°C (65-70 °F) using good quality compost. Germination 8-12 days. Transplant seedlings singly into 75mm (3″) pots. Plant out when they start to show flower buds into large pots, grow bags, or direct into the greenhouse border 45cm (18″) apart. Remove side shoots when necessary and feed regularly once the first truss has set.
Sowing ➞ Cropping: 18-20 weeks.
