Spanish Sage, Mother of Herbs, Five in One

(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

(Plectranthus amboinicus)

A spreading perennial with fleshy grey/green leaves and pale pink flowers in summer and autumn. It has many other common names and it is thought that ‘5 in 1’ refers to the taste being like five common herbs, oregano, sage, thyme, parsley and savory.

Flavours/Food Partners

Flavours well with other strong herbs like rosemary, garlic, parsley, lemon thyme, coriander, oregano and marjoram. Use to enhance strong or game flavoured meats like duck, .pork, lamb and venison or with strong vegetables like potato, pumpkin, egg plant and onion.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Can be added at any stage in the cooking and the young leaves are a little milder – use sparingly at first as the flavour is strong. Has been used as a tea to aid getting to sleep.

Landscaping/Planting

Prefers a moist but well drained location in shade or sun. Low growing perennial that looks good in any general cottage garden bed and will help suppress weeds.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Regular applications of Seasol and PowerFeed will keep it growing well.

Herb Attributes

Position SHADE OR SUN, LIGHT FROST
Height 30CM
Width 90CM