Nunhems US 1143 Hybrid Tomato Seeds are a high-yielding variety that is perfect for home gardens and commercial growers alike. These seeds produce large, square-round tomatoes that are deep red and weigh 90-100 grams each. The fruits have excellent firmness and shelf life, making them ideal for fresh eating, canning, and juicing. 

 Benefits: 

• High yields: These plants produce an abundance of large, flavorful tomatoes throughout the season. 
• Disease resistant: US 1143 is resistant to some common tomato diseases, including leaf curl virus. 
• Good fruit quality: The tomatoes are firm, flavorful, and have a long shelf life. 
• Adaptable: This variety is suitable for growing in a wide range of climates and soil conditions. 
• Semi-determinate growth habit: This means that the plants will grow to a certain height and then stop, making them ideal for staking or trellising.  

Key Features: 

• Plant Type: Semi-determinate - This means the plants will grow to a certain height and then stop, making them ideal for staking or trellising. 
• Fruit Size: 90-100 grams - Each tomato will weigh between 90 and 100 grams, providing a good yield of medium-sized fruits. 
• Fruit Color: Deep red - The tomatoes have a vibrant and appealing deep red color, making them perfect for salads and fresh eating. 
• Days to Maturity: 70-75 days - These tomatoes mature relatively quickly, allowing you to enjoy fresh homegrown produce within a few months of planting. 
• Disease Resistance: Leaf curl virus - US 1143 is resistant to leaf curl virus, a common disease that can devastate tomato crops. 

  Land Preparation:    

• Tomatoes need well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.5-7.5). 
• Test your soil and adjust pH with lime or sulfur if needed. 
• Add organic matter like compost for better fertility and drainage. 
• Deep till (10-12 inches) to loosen the soil for root growth, use a rototiller or spade. 
• Create furrows 1-2 inches deep, spaced 2-4 feet apart for row planting. 
• Water the area thoroughly a few days before planting. 
• Lightly rake the soil surface for a smooth planting bed. 
• Add balanced fertilizer as per package instructions. 
• Use black plastic mulch to warm the soil and suppress weeds. 
• For raised beds, ensure they are at least 12 inches deep with a well-draining soil mix. 

 Sowing   

• Fill your seedling trays or pots with excellent quality seedling compost. 
• Aim for spacing of Nunhems US 1143 Hybrid Tomato Seeds about 2-3 cm (about 1.18 in) apart & lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost. This should be about 0.5 cm (about 0.2 in) thick. 
•  Cover the Nunhems US 1143 Hybrid Tomato seedlings with transparent plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture. 
• When the Nunhems US 1143 Hybrid Tomato seedlings have emerged and developed their first true leaves, it is time to thin them out. This means removing weaker seedlings to give the stronger ones more space to grow. Use scissors to snip off the weaker seedlings at the base. 
• Continue to care for your tomato seedlings until they are ready to be transplanted outdoors. This will be around 6-8 weeks (about 2 months) after sowing, depending on the variety and your climate. 

 Transplanting:    

• Dig planting holes: Dig holes slightly deeper and wider than the containers your seedlings are currently in. Space the holes according to the recommended spacing for Nunhems US 1143 Hybrid Tomato variety, usually 18-24 inches apart. 
• Removing seedlings: Gently remove the seedlings from their containers. Use a spoon or trowel to loosen the soil around the roots if necessary. 
• Planting: Carefully place each seedling in a prepared hole, burying it slightly deeper than it was in its container. This encourages strong root development. 
• Watering: Water each seedling deeply immediately after planting. Continue to water regularly, especially during dry periods. 
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of your plants. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. 

Varieties: 

• Determinate tomatoes: These compact plants typically grow 3-5 feet tall and can be spaced closer together than indeterminate varieties. Aim for 2-3 feet apart within rows and 3-4 feet between rows. 
• Indeterminate tomatoes: These vining plants can grow 6-12 feet tall and require more space to sprawl. Space them 3-4 feet apart within rows and 4-5 feet between rows. 
• Cherry tomatoes: These small-fruited plants can be planted closer together than larger-fruited tomatoes. Aim for 18-24 inches apart within rows and 3-4 feet between rows. 

 Harvesting:   

• Ripeness: Harvest Nunhems US 1143 Hybrid Tomato when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Avoid picking green tomatoes, as they will not ripen properly. 
• Timing: Harvest Nunhems US 1143 Hybrid Tomato in the cool morning hours to avoid sun damage. 
• Methods: Use sharp pruning shears or a knife to remove the tomatoes from the vine. Leave a small stem attached to help prevent rot. 
• Frequency: Pick tomatoes regularly to encourage further fruit production. 

Storage:   

• Light: Keep Nunhems US 1143 Hybrid Tomato out of direct sunlight, avoid storing them in the refrigerator. 
• Store Nunhems US 1143 Hybrid Tomato at room temperature (60-70°F) for the best flavor. 
• Duration: Ripe tomatoes can be stored at room temperature for 3-5 days. If you have a surplus, you can extend their shelf life by storing them in the refrigerator for up to a week. 
• Green tomatoes: If you have a late frost and your Tomato are still green, you can harvest them and ripen them indoors. Place them in a paper bag at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Check them regularly and remove any that are soft or rotten. Green tomatoes will typically ripen within 1-2 weeks.