Teucrium Betonicum Madeira Sage Germander

(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

Description

(Teucrium betonicum)

SPECIAL QUALITIES

An evergreen shrub that has lovely sage green foliage that is slightly aromatic and stunning spikes of purple flowers.

FLOWERS

Spikes of purple flowers borne in warmer months.

POSITION & USES

Plant in full sun or part shade. Does particularly well in dappled light. Grows in well drained soil. Can be grown as a foliage plant or used in a dry border.

CULTIVATION

Remove spent flower heads. Once established this plant will only need extra water in the hottest of weather. Requires little care and maintenance.

FERTILISING

Regular applications of Seasol and PowerFeed 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 2-3
Habit A tough, small low growing shrub with aromatic grey green foliage.
Position Part to Full Sun, Frost Tender
Height 80CM
Width 80CM