{"product_id":"tomato-litchi","title":"Tomato - Litchi","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Seed Count: 10\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The \u003cspan class=\"w6asjq_TextBase _85PZeG_Text\" data-d-component=\"text\" data-d-default-strong=\"\" data-d-inline=\"\"\u003eLitchi Tomato is a\u003c\/span\u003e rare South American heirloom that produces clusters of bright red, cherry-sized fruits wrapped in papery husks, growing on a sprawling plant covered in sharp thorns. Though related to the nightshade family, Litchi fruits are not a true tomato. The fruits offer a unique sweet-tart flavor, often compared to a semi sweet cherry and can be used as a substitute for a lot of recipes containing cherries! Enjoy the ripe friots fresh off the plant or transform them into homemade jams, preserves, pies, and sauces! Wear gloves when harvesting, as the thorny husks can get sharp!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSpecies: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolanum sisymbriifolium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Type: Annual fruiting plant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDays to Maturity: Approximately 90–120 days\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit Size: ½–¾ inch in diameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit Color: Bright red when ripe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlesh Color: Yellow to orange\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlavor: Sweet-tart, often compared to a blend of cherry, tomato, and sour fruit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Habit: Large, bushy, heavily prickled plants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature Height: 4–8 feet, potentially taller in ideal conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrimary Uses: Fresh eating, jams, preserves, pies, sauces, and fruit tarts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStarting Seeds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStart seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain soil temperatures around 70–80°F for germination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSow seeds approximately ⅛ inch deep.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGermination may take 1–3 weeks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide bright light once seedlings emerge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarden plants off gradually before transplanting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a location receiving full sun.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpace plants approximately 3–4 feet apart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow in fertile, well-drained soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelect a location with plenty of room, away from walkways, due to the plant's sharp prickles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull sun (6–8+ hours daily)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWarm growing temperatures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConsistent moisture during fruit development\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlenty of space for large, branching plants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater regularly, especially during flowering and fruit production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid keeping soil constantly waterlogged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertilize moderately throughout the growing season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide sturdy support if plants become large or heavily loaded with fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWear thick gloves when handling plants, as the stems, leaves, and fruit husks are covered in sharp prickles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvest berries only when they are fully ripe and bright red.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLook for husks that have dried back or opened to reveal the ripe fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRipe berries should detach easily from the plant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse gloves or tongs to avoid the sharp prickles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnjoy ripe fruits fresh or use them in jams, preserves, pies, sauces, and other cooked dishes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not eat green or unripe fruits.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to South America, Litchi Tomato has been grown for generations as both an unusual edible fruit and an ornamental garden plant. Also known as Morelle de Balbis, Vila-vila, and Red Buffalo-bur, this distinctive member of the nightshade family has attracted gardeners for well over a century. Historical seed catalogs from the 1800s promoted it as an exotic fruit suitable for pies and sauces. Today, it remains a favorite among heirloom enthusiasts for its unusual appearance, edible berries, and versatility in the kitchen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beebe Seed Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50869442576623,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0707\/8451\/6335\/files\/89D97D25-7A48-4999-A482-A914F05A5605.jpg?v=1790008855","url":"https:\/\/beebeseeds.com\/products\/tomato-litchi","provider":"Beebe Seed Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}