Tomato 'Alicante'

Common name: Tomato 'Alicante'

Description: Alicante is a time-honoured British favourite that has been a mainstay of UK kitchen gardens and allotments for generations. This dependable cordon variety produces medium-sized, smooth, bright red fruits in generous trusses, with a classic, well-balanced tomato flavour that is equally good eaten fresh or used in cooking. It is notably tolerant of lower light levels compared to many modern varieties, making it one of the more reliable choices for less-than-ideal British summers. An honest, unfussy, and consistently productive tomato that never lets you down.

Other benefits: tolerates lower light levels; reliable in variable UK conditions; classic flavour suited to all culinary uses; suitable for greenhouse and outdoor growing

Wildlife attraction: bees and other pollinating insects

Height & spread (approx.) at maturity: 1.5–1.8m x 45cm (cordon grown)

Position: full sun to partial shade; one of the most adaptable tomatoes for UK outdoor growing; also excellent under glass

Soil pH: slightly acid to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0); fertile, well-drained soil or compost

Moisture: regular, consistent watering essential; high-potash liquid feed once flowering begins; pinch out side shoots regularly

Winter hardiness: frost tender; grow as an annual from spring