Last week, we got our first tomato of the season. A new variety for me this year, Stupice (pronounced stew-peach-ka) is an early season, heirloom, variety from Czechoslovakia.
Stupice grows relatively small (2-3 inch) red tomatoes on compact plants with potato leaf style foliage. I'm growing my Stupice plants in containers in my greenhouse; the extra protection and warmth of the greenhouse really was a benefit this year as cold and rainy weather have slowed growth of my other tomatoes planted outside. The protection of the greenhouse allowed me to harvest the first Stupice tomato in just 60 days.
Stupice replaces another early season tomato that I grew last year called Oregon Spring. The latter variety produced very good yields and also produced the first tomato in about 60 days. However, I found the taste of Oregon Spring rather disappointing. Truthfully, I didn't think it was much better than a tomato from the supermarket. Stupice's flavor was better but, to be totally truthful, it was not an awesome tomato.
I'll provide an update later in the season when I have more information about the yield of this variety. But based on the first tomato, Stupice is probably going to be on my list next year as an acceptable early season tomato.
Grew/growing Stupice for the first time this year. Planted in the garden and on the south facing balcony in self watering containers. I love this tomato. It does as well in both areas. Has a flavor I enjoy. Not too watery, nice body, doesn't use as much water as other tomatoes, hasn't required extra calcium needs as some tomatoes, produces really well, nice size tomato for salads, salsa, and will be excellent for soups, and tomato sauce, and tomato juice. Not a sweet tomato like a cherry tomato, has a tartness, but not overly strong. I'm very pleased with this tomato and will grow more next year.
Posted by: Jay | 09/12/2012 at 10:23 PM