Tomato 'Pink Berkeley Tie Dye'
Solanum lycopersicum
As I write this, I'm laughing out loud and thanking Doug The Tomato Freak for introducing me to Mr. Pink Tie Die. I've been growing this insanely-delicious tomato since 2016, but I am laughing because of what made me try it in the first place—perhaps one of the best seed reviews I've ever read.
I love reading reviews. Sure, you learn things, but it's mostly for pure entertainment. I included a screenshot of the review of this tomato from Baker Creek website (back from 2015) by DOUG THE TOMATO FREAK, but if it's hard to see (sorry, ecommerce functionality), here's the review, titled "I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD":
I NEVER THOUGHT I WOUD EVER FIND A TOMATO I LOVED MORE THAN A WASHINGTON BOROUGH AKA JET STAR OR THE CHEROKEE PURPLE...... BUT I ATE MR FIRST PINK TIE DYE TODAY.........I AM IN LOVE WITH THE TASTE... SORRY JET STAR AND CHEROKEE PURPLE...BUT THERE IS A NEW TOMATO IN TOWN DOUG THE TOMATO FREAK
Despite writing this in all caps, listing the positives as MY GOD THE TASTE and the negatives with exactly thirty zeros, he rated it 2.3 stars . . . LOL (I cannot).
And for that reason alone, I ordered this tomato. It's 5 stars by the way. Harvest as soon as it starts to show color as it over ripens quickly.
Early producer. Compact Indeterminate. Seed is certified organic.
Packet contains approximately 15 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Shape: Beefsteak
Days to maturity: 70 days
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 24” apart in rows 4’ apart
Hybrid status: Open pollinated
SOWING
Depth: 1/4 inch
Germination: 75–85°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors 5–6 weeks before transplanting out after danger of frost. There is no need to start any earlier as leggy, root-bound, or flowering transplants can cause stunting and reduce early production (we even prefer small transplants). Once germinated, grow at 60–70°F. At first true leaf, pot-up to 50-cell trays or 4" pots. Always bury all the way up to first set of leaves to develop strong root system (plants develop roots from stems).
We mostly grow indeterminate varieties, which are vine-like plants that continue to grow throughout the season. It's best to provide support, such as a tomato cage, trellis, basket weave, or string and clip system (anything they can grow up vertically). Indeterminates benefit by removing all suckers directly below the first flower cluster. Once fruit beings to set, we also prune out any leaves below to encourage air circulation.
Harvest & Storage
Once established, harvest leaves before flowering begins. Leaves can be harvested 3–4 times per year, cut at ground level. Leaves may be used fresh or dried. To dry, cut bundles into 1/4–1/2" lengths. Dry on a screen surfaced out of direct sunlight in an area with good ventilation. Stir periodically.
SHIPPING
FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets
