Organic tomato ‘Mother Red’ (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a sweet and early Ukrainian variety

The ‘Mother Red’ tomato is an heirloom variety from Ukraine , known for its sweetness and early maturity . Unlike many red tomatoes, it has a sweeter, less acidic flavor , making it ideal for salads, sauces, and preserves. It produces abundantly and adapts well to a variety of climates, making it a favorite choice for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow, flavorful tomato.

Did you know?

In Ukraine, tomato cultivation is deeply rooted in culinary traditions. Tomatoes are often consumed fresh, canned or in the form of thick sauces used in traditional dishes.

Spread: vigorous growth and continued production
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

Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out, then transplant to open ground after the last frost , when night temperatures are above 12C . Plant 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4″) deep , spacing plants 60-90 cm (24-36″) apart and rows 120-180 cm (4-6′) . Staking is necessary , as this indeterminate variety can produce many fruits throughout the season.

Harvesting and storage

Harvest tomatoes when they reach their full bright red color and are slightly soft to the touch. For best flavor , allow them to ripen directly on the vine. Alternatively, they can be harvested slightly green and allowed to ripen off the vine at 72F (22C).

Store tomatoes at room temperature , in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. To prolong their shelf life, place them in a cool place (12-21C) with a relative humidity of 95% . Avoid refrigerating them, as this alters their texture and taste.

Long-term preservation methods

Freezing: Cut them into pieces or freeze them whole for future use in sauces and soups
Drying: Slice them and let them dehydrate slowly for richly flavored dried tomatoes.
Preserve: transform them into coulis, tomato sauce or candied tomatoes for prolonged preservation

With its sweet taste, its precocity and its Ukrainian origin, the Tomato ‘Mother Red’ is an ideal variety for lovers of sweet and tasty tomatoes, perfect for a multitude of recipes.