After an internet search for some white cherry tomatoes (that had caught my eye), I stumbled across a new supplier Victoriana Nursery that had some very interesting produce on offer, I filled my 'trug' and gave them a shot. I was pleased to see that they were also based in south-east England.
I was like a child in a sweet shop scrolling through their tomato section which featured many varieties I hadn't previously come across. Obviously the seeds will have to wait until next year and the plants may not see much action til then either.
My final selection included:
Top row (l-r)
Tomato Gold Medal
These just looked extraordinary! A lovely golden orange/yellow and a unique, almost scrunched up shape that kind of gives them the appearance of a pepper. They are said to have thick walls and perfect for stuffing so will be great for meal times.
Cucumber La Diva
I tried to grow some Marketmore last year - supposedly a grower's favourite but suffered poor results that put me off growing cucumbers - but not for long. This looks like a solid variety producing attractive, more compact cues.
Cucumber Crystal Apple
Another fantastically different looking variety that is round and about the size of an apple but closer to a lemon in appearance. The info promises a mild, sweet flavour that is crisp and suitable for pickling.
Middle row (l-r)
Kiwi Issai
This was one of the main reasons for my order. A few years ago now, we stumbled across a unique punnet of Kiwi Berries in Asda that were only on sale for a couple of weeks. I had never heard of them before and having grown up with their larger, hairier cousins, I was excited to try them so I swiftly bought them and headed home. The berries were smooth skinned, deep green in colour, grape-sized but amazingly when I sliced it in half, it was identical to a Kiwi albeit in miniture form! But it was the taste that was most impressive; ridiculously flavoursome with the signature kiwi sweet but tart taste, like a regular kiwi compressed to berry size. I've never seen them in the shops again and after learning they're suitable for growing here, I've wanted one ever since.
Courgette One Ball
This variety produces round, compact, pool ball sized veg that is a golden yellow in colour when ripe. I've just planted some round courgettes so it will be good to compare them with the One Ball next year.
Bottom row (l-r)
Tomato Giant Delicious
I'm growing possibly 8 or 9 tomato varieties this year but the majority are cherry sized (not including my much anticipated Green Zebra and Tigerella). I fancied attempting something a bit bigger next year and this looked the biggest! Fist-sized deep red fruit that can fill a sandwich with one slice - I fancy getting a quality steak and frying up one of these to accompany it!
Tomato Snow White
These caught my eye on a random image search on Google and led me to Victoriana. Impossibly pale, these cherry toms have an ivory white appeance which makes them leap out immediately. I can't imagine what their flavour offers but I will happily wait until next year to find out!
Whitecurrant White Pearl
I have thought about getting a little currant bush for a while now and the one I've had my eye on the most is a pale pink Rosa variety, so far I have only seen one on Suttons' website and it was fairly expensive. 2nd on my list was a more humble white and at around £4 this one was a must! They promise to be heavy fruiters and having only ever sampled black and redcurrants, I'm intrigued to see what these will taste like.
No comments:
Post a Comment