Efemer

Efemer Dwarf / Micro Dwarf Tomato (10-15 seeds)

The 'Efemer' tomato, also known as 'Efemer Red Ukrainian', is a fascinating and highly regarded open-pollinated heirloom variety, especially popular among growers in cooler climates or with limited space. Its name 'Efemer' translates to "unusual" in Ukrainian, which aptly describes its unique growth habit.

• Origin: Originating from Eastern Europe, this origin is crucial because it indicates its exceptional cold hardiness and ability to thrive in regions with shorter, cooler growing seasons.

• Growth Habit - "Superdeterminate" or "Sprawling Dwarf": This is the most distinctive feature of 'Efemer'.

  • Extremely Compact Height: Unlike most tomato plants that grow vertically, 'Efemer' is typically very low-growing, usually reaching only 40-45 cm in height.

  • Sprawling/Creeping: Instead of growing tall, the plant tends to spread horizontally. Its main stem often bends sharply, allowing the plant to creep along the ground, forming a wide, sprawling bush. This makes it ideal for ground cover or areas where vertical space is limited.

  • Determinate: It's a determinate variety, meaning it grows to a specific size, produces its fruit crop over a concentrated period, and then essentially stops growing. This leads to minimal need for pruning side shoots.

  • No Staking (mostly): Due to its low, sturdy habit, it generally does not require traditional staking for vertical support. However, because the branches can become heavily laden with fruit and sprawl on the ground, some gardeners might opt for minimal support to keep the fruit off the soil, especially in wet conditions, to prevent rot or pest damage.

• Fruit Characteristics:

  • Surprisingly Large for Plant Size: Despite being a dwarf plant, 'Efemer' produces medium-sized red slicing tomatoes, which is unusual for such a compact variety. Fruits typically weigh around 70-120 grams

  • Colour and Shape: Fruits are a vibrant, classic red colour and are typically round to slightly oblate (flattened globe shape).

  • Taste Profile: Highly praised for its taste, often described as having a classic, well-balanced tomato flavour – a good balance of sweetness and acidity, making it delicious for fresh consumption. The flesh is firm.

• Early Maturity: 'Efemer' is considered an early ripening variety, with fruits ready for harvest in approximately 100 days from sowing. This early production is a significant advantage for gardeners in short-season climates

• High Yield: Despite its compact size, it's remarkably prolific, capable of pumping out a good number of medium-sized fruits throughout the season.

• Hardiness and Adaptability:

  • Cold and Frost Resistant: Its Siberian origins mean it has excellent cold tolerance and is often described as "frost resistant." It's one of the first varieties to start producing and one of the last to leave the garden.

'Efemer' tomato is a highly efficient and rewarding variety, particularly for gardeners who want substantial, flavourful tomatoes but are constrained by space or climate. Its early maturity, cold tolerance, and low-maintenance growth habit make it a real gem.