{"product_id":"heirloom-manitoba-tomato-seeds-ideal-for-northern-gardens-organic-nongmo","title":"Heirloom Manitoba Tomato Seeds - Ideal for Northern Gardens, Organic, Non-GMO","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"content-toggle-product-details-read-more\" class=\"wt-content-toggle__body wt-content-toggle__body--truncated wt-content-toggle__body--truncated-02\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n        \u003cp data-product-details-description-text-content=\"\" class=\"wt-text-body-01 wt-break-word\"\u003e\n            Manitoba Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a hardy, early-maturing easy to grow heirloom tomato originally developed in the 1950s by the Morden Experimental Farm in Manitoba, Canada. Bred specifically for short growing seasons and cooler climates, it produces heavy yields of medium-sized, bright red fruits with excellent old-fashioned tomato flavor. Manitoba is ideal for northern gardeners or anyone seeking dependable early harvests without sacrificing taste. Its compact growth habit makes it a strong performer in both garden beds and large containers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILED GROWING INFO\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:\u003cbr\u003e• Heirloom\u003cbr\u003e• Organic\u003cbr\u003e• Non-GMO\u003cbr\u003e• Open Pollinated\u003cbr\u003e• Untreated\u003cbr\u003e• US Grown\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Growing instructions included\u003cbr\u003e• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSustainable Packaging \u0026amp; Shipping:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded recycled mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.\u003cbr\u003e• Most orders ship out the next business day. Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCommon Names: Manitoba Tomato\u003cbr\u003eLatin Name: Solanum lycopersicum\u003cbr\u003eType: Vegetable (Tomato)\u003cbr\u003eLife Cycle: Annual\u003cbr\u003eUSDA Zones: 3 - 10\u003cbr\u003eStratification: Not Required\u003cbr\u003eGermination Ease: Easy\u003cbr\u003eSunlight: Full Sun\u003cbr\u003eMoisture: Consistently Moist, Well-Drained\u003cbr\u003eSoil: Fertile, Rich, Loamy Soil with Good Drainage\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 24 - 36 inches\u003cbr\u003eSpread: 18 - 24 inches\u003cbr\u003eColor: Bright Red Fruits\u003cbr\u003eFlavor Profile: Classic tomato flavor — balanced acidity and sweetness with a juicy, firm texture\u003cbr\u003eBloom Season: Summer\u003cbr\u003eCompanion Plants: Basil, marigold, onions, carrots, peppers\u003cbr\u003eClimate Adaptability: Performs exceptionally in cooler, short-season climates; tolerant of variable weather\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Sowing ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen to Sow Outside:\u003cbr\u003eNot recommended; tomatoes need warm soil and frost-free conditions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen to Start Inside:\u003cbr\u003eStart seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDays to Emerge:\u003cbr\u003e7 - 14 days\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeed Depth:\u003cbr\u003e1\/4 inch deep\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeed Spacing:\u003cbr\u003eSow seeds 1 inch apart in trays; thin or transplant to 18 - 24 inches apart once seedlings have true leaves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRow Spacing:\u003cbr\u003e24 - 36 inches apart\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHardiness:\u003cbr\u003eFrost-sensitive annual.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Growing ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSoil:\u003cbr\u003ePrefers fertile, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Amend soil with compost before planting. Avoid cold, waterlogged soil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWatering:\u003cbr\u003eWater deeply and regularly, keeping soil evenly moist. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease. Mulching helps retain soil moisture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLight and Temperature:\u003cbr\u003eThrives in full sun (6–8 hours daily). Optimal temperature range for growth is 65°F–85°F.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaintenance:\u003cbr\u003eStake or cage plants to support fruiting stems. Prune suckers for better airflow and yield. Fertilize lightly with balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every few weeks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eContainer Friendly:\u003cbr\u003eYes, grows well in large containers (minimum 5 gallons) with proper support and regular watering.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Harvesting ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen to Harvest:\u003cbr\u003eHarvest 65–70 days after transplanting, when fruits turn fully red and slightly yield to gentle pressure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHow to Harvest:\u003cbr\u003eTwist or snip fruit from the vine carefully to avoid damaging the plant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrying and Storing:\u003cbr\u003eStore ripe tomatoes at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate for best flavor.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEdible Use:\u003cbr\u003eExcellent for slicing, salads, sandwiches, and sauces. Manitoba tomatoes retain flavor and texture when cooked or canned.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Seed Saving ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeed Collection:\u003cbr\u003eSelect fully ripe fruits from the healthiest plants. Scoop out seeds and pulp into a jar with a small amount of water. Let ferment for 2–3 days to remove the gelatinous coating.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeed Cleaning:\u003cbr\u003eRinse and dry seeds on a non-stick surface until completely dry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeed Storage:\u003cbr\u003eStore in a cool, dry, dark place. Tomato seeds remain viable for 4–6 years under proper storage conditions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e~ Additional Information ~\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForage for Pollinators:\u003cbr\u003eTomato blossoms attract bumblebees and other pollinators for improved fruit set.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigin:\u003cbr\u003eDeveloped at the Morden Experimental Farm in Manitoba, Canada, in the 1950s for short, cool growing seasons.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNomenclature:\u003cbr\u003eNamed after the Canadian province of Manitoba, reflecting its breeding for northern climates.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory:\u003cbr\u003eBred as a hardy, productive tomato for Prairie provinces, Manitoba quickly became popular among home gardeners for its reliability and flavor. It remains a favorite in northern gardens today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClimate Adaptability:\u003cbr\u003ePerforms best in cool, short-summer regions but adaptable to a wide range of climates with adequate warmth.\n        \u003c\/p\u003e\n        \n    \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Eleventradellc","offers":[{"title":"20+ organic seeds","offer_id":47444204257442,"sku":"XGGUAHV","price":1.61,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/0343\/0306\/files\/Output_60.jpg?v=1784539766","url":"https:\/\/eleventradellc.com\/products\/heirloom-manitoba-tomato-seeds-ideal-for-northern-gardens-organic-nongmo","provider":"Eleventradellc","version":"1.0","type":"link"}