An overhead of Tomato Rapunzel

Tomato ‘Rapunzel’

Solanum lycopersicum

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Easy to grow
  • Edible
  • Heat-loving

Description

Long stems of this vigorous plant can reach up to 18 in in length, each carrying over a dozen fruit. Ripening from green to orange to glowing tomato-red, cascading clusters of fruit hold well on their stems. ‘Rapunzel’ looks wonderful in flower arrangements and has an excellent flavor as well. This dual-use gem would be fantastic for cooking and canning.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 4 to 6 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 80 days
Plant spacing: 24 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 8 to 10 weeks before last frost, keeping the soil temperature close to 80°F to aid germination. Once seeds have sprouted, indoor temperature should be kept near 60°F. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed and soil is thoroughly warmed. Provide staking or tomato cages.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest after all of the fruit has developed on a cluster, but before fully colored, since that’s when they begin to loosen from the stems. Remove all of the leaves, as they will wilt. Expect a vase life of 4 to 5 days.

Details

Description

Long stems of this vigorous plant can reach up to 18 in in length, each carrying over a dozen fruit. Ripening from green to orange to glowing tomato-red, cascading clusters of fruit hold well on their stems. ‘Rapunzel’ looks wonderful in flower arrangements and has an excellent flavor as well. This dual-use gem would be fantastic for cooking and canning.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 4 to 6 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 80 days
Plant spacing: 24 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 8 to 10 weeks before last frost, keeping the soil temperature close to 80°F to aid germination. Once seeds have sprouted, indoor temperature should be kept near 60°F. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed and soil is thoroughly warmed. Provide staking or tomato cages.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest after all of the fruit has developed on a cluster, but before fully colored, since that’s when they begin to loosen from the stems. Remove all of the leaves, as they will wilt. Expect a vase life of 4 to 5 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.