Varto is a lovely and hardy Estonian tomato created at the Jõgeva Sordiaretuse Instituut (Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Estonia). The Institute was established in 1920 at Jõgeva Manor (see last picture) – a site chosen for its cold conditions — which allowed breeders to create varieties adapted to short growing seasons.
Varto is an early, compact variety (18” tall) – that did well in medium and large-size pots in one of our little greenhouses (it is described as a windowsill or greenhouse tomato). It is also noted for being shade tolerant.
Varto has brilliant red fruit that weigh 50g to 100g. And very good taste – a good sweetness with a bit of tang.
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How to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. Plant seed 5mm (¼ inch) deep. Transplant after the danger of frost has passed/later spring.
