Tomato 'Akoya'Solanum lycopersicum

Bush/Determinate

Tomato ‘Akoya’ offers a striking twist with its unique, glossy black fruit plus the benefit of very good tolerance to late blight. From the moment 'Akoya' starts producing fruit, you'll notice the distinct black colouration. As the tomatoes mature, their bases transition from green to orange, and finally, to a luscious red, with dark black shoulders packed full of anthocyanins—a natural antioxidant. The 20-30g cocktail size fruit have exceptional flavour. One exceptional trait of 'Akoya' is its 'stay green' characteristic. Unlike many other tomato varieties that gradually yellow with age, the leaves of 'Akoya' will remain a vibrant green throughout the plant's life. Height: 45cm (18in). Spread: 25cm (10in).

Companion planting: Try growing tomatoes with French marigolds to deter whitefly, and basil, chives or mint to deter aphids and other pests.

Pot up and grow tomato plants on in warm frost free conditions. 

Outdoor cultivation: Grow on until large enough to plant outdoors. Wait until all risk of frost has passed before transplanting tomatoes - around early June depending upon location. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7 to 10 days. Choose a sheltered position in full sun on fertile, reliably moist, well drained soil. Alternatively grow tomatoes in patio bags and containers in good quality compost such as John Innes No. 2.

Greenhouse cultivation: When growing in a heated glasshouse tomato plants may be transplanted at the end of May or when the first flowers are showing, if earlier. Allow 3 plants per growbag, or one per 25cm (10") pot, or plant tomatoes directly into the greenhouse soil. Cordon types should be transplanted at a distance of 60cm (24") apart. 

Cordon/indeterminate varieties:  Drive a (5ft) cane into the soil adjacent to each plant to support them as they grow, and tie each main stem to its support with soft garden twine.

Bush/determinate varieties: These may require a smaller cane to support the weight of the plant and its fruit. Dwarf bush varieties, such as 'Basket' types, do not require any staking.