Fruit Salad tomato
Deep red with orange-gold stripes
Flavour :Fruity, sweet, mild acidity
Ripening time :Mid-season
Growth Indeterminate: up to 2m in height
Location Greenhouse :sheltered bed or pot outdoors
‘Tigerella’: origin and history
The striking ‘Tigerella’ tomato variety was first introduced to the market in the early 70s. Nowadays, it is mainly grown by hobby gardeners. No one knows exactly where ‘Tigerella’ was first grown, but it is thought to have been bred from the famous red salad tomato ‘Ailsa Craig’. The popular ‘Craigella’ and ‘Tangella’ varieties are both siblings of ‘Tigerella’ and most likely originated in the UK around the same time.
Properties and taste:
‘Tigerella’ is a low-maintenance plant, suitable for growing outside or in the greenhouse. It is aromatic, with fruit that ripens around mid-July. You will know that the fruit is ripe when orange, almost golden, spots will form on the tomatoes’ dark, red skin. The tomatoes are exceptionally fruity, with hints of sweetness and mild acidity. Many gardeners adore this staked variety, which is a heirloom, meaning it can be propagated from its own seeds.
Growing ‘Tigerella’ tomatoes: what to pay attention to
‘Tigerella’ tomato plants grow well in pots and garden beds. It is best to grow young plants in rich, well draining potting soil.
For optimal growth, be sure to plant your ‘Tigerella’ as deeply as possible. Simply prune the plant’s lowest leaves, dig a hole and place ‘Tigerella’ in. This variety can reach up to two metres in height and will need some form of climbing aid, such as a trellis, to truly flourish.
Grow your ‘Tigerella’ variety with either two or three main shoots; either prune the side shoots or leave them to fall out. By pruning side shoots, your plant will focus on root production not stem production.
Like most tomato varieties, ‘Tigerella’ will appreciate some shelter from the rain. Additionally, mulching and watering your tomato plants will help support soil life and save water!
