Marmande Tomato

50 Seeds

Marmande Tomato is a famous French heirloom variety known for its large, flattened, deeply ribbed fruits with a vibrant red color and rich, sweet flavor balanced by mild acidity. Fruits typically weigh 180–350 g, with some reaching 500 g under ideal conditions. The firm, juicy flesh makes Marmande ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, slicing, grilling, sauces, and gourmet cooking. This indeterminate to semi-determinate variety performs exceptionally well in the Gulf region when planted during the cooler season. It is suitable for gardens, greenhouses, raised beds, large containers, and hydroponic systems.

Best Planting Time

• August to October (recommended)
• January to February (for greenhouse cultivation)
• Avoid outdoor planting when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 38–40°C.

Seed Preparation

• Soak seeds in warm water (25–28°C) for 6–8 hours before sowing (optional).
• No cold stratification is required.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Coco peat
• 30% Compost
• 20% Garden soil
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–6.8

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or nursery pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil or vermiculite.
• Keep the growing medium consistently moist until germination.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 22–28°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–28°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• During very hot Gulf afternoons, provide 30% shade cloth.

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage and reduce fungal diseases.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Transplanting

• Transplant seedlings when they have:
  • 4–6 true leaves
  • Height of 15–20 cm
• Space plants:
  • 60–75 cm apart
• Space rows:
  • 90–120 cm apart

Harvesting

• Harvest begins:
  • 75–85 days after transplanting
• Harvest fruits when they develop a deep red color and become slightly soft when gently squeezed.
• Pick fruits regularly to encourage continuous production.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Plant during August to October for the best harvest.
• Use sturdy stakes, cages, or trellises to support the heavy, ribbed fruits.
• Remove lower leaves and excessive side shoots to improve airflow and reduce disease pressure.
• Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during vegetative growth, then switch to one higher in potassium and phosphorus during flowering and fruiting.
• Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and reduce soil temperature.
• Marmande Tomato performs exceptionally well in greenhouses, hydroponic systems, raised beds, large containers, and open gardens.