Description

The Tomato Artisan Bumble Bee (Solanum lycopersicum) tomato is a unique and visually striking cherry tomato variety known for its striped skin and gourmet appeal. Fruits are plump, round, and about 2.5–3.5 cm in diameter, boasting gold, red, pink, and green marbling, depending on the specific type (e.g. Pink, Purple, or Sunrise Bumble Bee). These indeterminate vines are vigorous and high-yielding, thriving in South Africa’s warm, sunny climate, particularly in coastal or Highveld regions.

Excellent for fresh snacking, salads, or garnishing, these tomatoes are a firm favourite among chefs and home gardeners for their crisp texture, sweet-tart flavour, and exceptional visual appeal. Matures in 70–80 days, suitable for open ground or trellised containers.

 

Benefits

Heat and Disease Tolerance

• Bred for crack resistance, sun tolerance, and vigorous productivity under South African sun.
  
• Resists many common tomato diseases including early blight and fusarium wilt.

Pollinator & Insectary 

• The bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, boosting pollination rates and supporting biodiversity.
  
• Useful in permaculture designs as a pollinator-supporting crop in mixed beds.
  

Unique Culinary Value

• Adds colour, texture, and flavour depth to salads, platters, and gourmet dishes.
  
• Ideal for raw snacking, skewers, and light sautéing – holds its shape and flavour when cooked.
  
• Excellent for local farm markets or small-scale artisan producers.

Nutritional and Medicinal 

• Rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and antioxidants like lycopene – promotes heart health, skin vitality, and cell protection.
  
• Low in calories, high in fibre, and beneficial for digestion and weight management.
  

• The skin contains high polyphenol levels, offering additional anti-inflammatory properties.
  

  
  

How To Use

Tomato Artisan Bumble Bee flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Spring to Mid-Summer
• Temperature: 20-28°C
• Germinate: 7-10 days
• Depth: 5 mm
• Spacing: 45x75 cm
• Harvest: 70-80 days
• Height: Fruit 2.5–3.5 cm / Plant 180 cm
• Flowering Season: Mid to late summer
• Exposure: Full sun (6-8 hours/day minimum)

Ideal Growing Environment 

• Prefers a well drained substrate with amendments or pre-made soil containing all the necessary base additives. Ideal pH 6.0–6.8.
  
• Deep watering 2–3 times per week depending on climate; mulch to retain moisture.
  
• Apply balanced organic fertiliser during early growth; switch to high-potassium and phosphorus feed at flowering.
  
• Moderate levels between 60–75% are ideal with ample airflow to prevent mildew.
  
• Performs well in temperate to warm regions including KZN coast, Western Cape, Gauteng, and Free State.
• Needs staking or trellising due to its indeterminate vining habit.
• Tomatoes and cannabis requirements are very similar.
• Benefits from being planted alongside basil, marigolds, garlic, carrots, chives, lettuce and borage.
• Intercropping: Pair with basil, marigolds, or clover for pest control and soil health.
• Crop Rotation: Follow with peas, clover, or lettuce. Avoid same family (nightshades or brassicas) in the same bed for 3 years.
• Soil Rejuvenation: Plant after nitrogen fixers to restore nutrients. Namely red clover, white clover, lucerne (alfalfa), peas greenfeast.
• Avoid planting with potatoes, corn, and fennel to prevent disease transfer and growth inhibition.

For placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za