Canestrino di Lucca tomato is an Italian heirloom variety that has been cultivated by families in the area of Lucca in Italy for many generations. Threatened by the arrival of many hybrids on the market, it was at risk of being abandoned. Thanks to some Italian farmers that kept the original seeds, the Canestrino di Lucca has made a come back to the point of being included since 2015 in the Biodiversity registry of Tuscany. The Canestrino di Lucca is a red ribbed tomato, characterized by its pear or basket-like shape, and its green shoulders. This tomato variety has a thin skin, firm flesh and very few seeds. The flavor is intense and sweet due to the consistency of the flesh, its high sugar content and low acidity. The tomatoes can weigh between 150 and 300g. This is a great tomato variety for salads and sauces. The Canestrino di Lucca is a variety that is mentioned in the Ark of Taste of the Slow Food Foundation.
Scientific Name: Solanum lycopersicum
Plant Life Cycle: Annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 24C-28C
Germination time in days: 7-14 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 80-120 days
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil requirement: Well drained and rich
Sowing and cultivation: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Sow seed in a propagator from March in warmth. Keep small plants in a sunny, frost-free environment until they can be planted in the greenhouse from late April or outdoors in late May. Plant with 61-91 cm spacing between plants.
