Centranthus Ruber

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
Categories: ,

Description

(Centranthus ruber coccineus)

SPECIAL QUALITIES

Attractive star-shaped red flowers in large clusters. The plant is sometimes known as White Valerian due to its colouring but without the medicinal uses and not related to the true Valerian.

FLOWERS

Summer to autumn.

POSITION & USES

Thrives in full sun to part shade. Ideal for mixed borders, cottage gardens and planting between shrubs.

CULTIVATION

This hardy perennial is good for hot, dry situations and grows well in poor soils. Cut back to just above ground level in winter. Remove dead flowers, it may naturalize as plants self-seed.

FERTILISING

Regular applications of Seasol and PowerFeed over spring and summer will keep it looking its best.

WATER RATING

  • Red can = Little water in hot, dry weather.
  • Green can = Deep watering every few weeks in hot, dry weather.
  • Blue can = Deep watering weekly in hot, dry weather.

Codes are a guide only and watering requirements will be affected by soil type, competition, mulching, wind and many other factors. Try to group plants with the same code in the one bed.

CAUTION: May be harmful if eaten.

Herb Attributes

Plants Needed per Square Metre 3-4
Habit A hardy perennial plant that forms loose clumps of fleshy, oblong leaves.
Position Full Sun to Part Shade, Moderate Frost
Height 80CM
Width 50CM

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