Soapwort

(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
Category:

Description

(Saponaria officinalis)

An easy to grow plant that produces a gentle acting soap that is kind on the skin, hair and delicate fabric but still cleans.

Flavours/Food Partners

This is not normally a culinary herb although it has been used for producing aromatic sweets. It can be partnered with other aromatics when used for cleaning.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

It is easy to make soap from the foliage. Harvest fresh leaves or roots and place in pot of cold water. Bring to the boil and then reduce to about half the volume. Strain and bottle. Fresh lavender flowers, rosemary leaves or chamomile can be added to give a soft fragrance and help make the hair shiny.

Caution: This plant is a low level poison that may cause vomiting etc. if ingested.

Landscaping/Planting

An easy to grow ground cover that will perform well in most soils and can act as a weed suppressant. During late summer and autumn it produces a carpet of delicate, fragrant pink flowers.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Pick leaves, or harvest the roots as needed and give regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed to keep the plant healthy and producing well.

Herb Attributes

Position PART TO FULL SUN, MODERATE FROST
Height 40CM
Width 60CM

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