As you thumb through seed catalogs in the fall and winter, consider trying some vegetable varieties that have ornamental value, such as Thai Pink Egg tomatoes. What is a Thai Pink Egg tomato?
Thai Pink Egg Tomato Info
As its name implies, Thai Pink Egg tomatoes originate in Thailand where they are valued for their appearance just as much as their sweet, juicy fruit. This dense, bushy tomato plant can grow 5 to 7 feet (1.5-2 m.) tall, oftentimes needing the support of stakes, and produces prolific clusters of grape to small egg-sized tomatoes. When the fruits are young, they may be a light green to pearl white color. However, as the tomatoes mature, they turn a pearly pink to light red. In mid to late summer, the prolific display of small pink, egg-like tomatoes makes a stunning ornamental display for the landscape. Not only are Thai Pink Egg tomato plants lovely specimens, but the fruit they produce is described as juicy and sweet. They can be used in salads, as a snacking tomato, roasted, or made into a pink to light red tomato paste. Thai Pink Egg tomatoes should be harvested when fully ripe for best flavor. Unlike other cherry tomatoes, Thai Pink Egg tomatoes do not split open or crack as they mature. The fruit from Thai Pink Egg tomato plants is best when eaten fresh, but the tomatoes do keep very well.
Growing Thai Pink Tomatoes
Thai Pink Egg tomatoes have the same growth and care requirements as any other tomato plant. However, they are known to have higher water needs than other tomatoes, and grow better in areas with a lot of precipitation. Thai Pink Egg tomatoes are also reportedly more resistant to common tomato diseases than other varieties. When watered adequately, this tomato variety is extremely heat tolerant. With 70 to 75 days until maturity, Thai Pink Egg tomato seeds can be started indoors six weeks before your region’s last frost. When plants are about 6 inches (15 cm.) tall, they can be hardened off and planted outdoors as an ornamental edible. Tomato plants are generally planted deeply in gardens to promote a deep, vigorous root structure. All tomatoes require regular fertilizing, and Thai Pink Egg tomatoes are no exception. Use a 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 fertilizer for vegetables or tomatoes two to three times throughout the growing season.
