How to Grow Capricorne Tomato
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Capricorne Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Capricorne'
vegetableCapricorne is a French heirloom tomato variety known for its deeply ribbed, flattened globe shape and exceptional flavor. This determinate variety produces medium-sized fruits (3-4 inches) with a complex, sweet taste and firm texture ideal for slicing and cooking. It's a reliable producer that thrives in warm conditions and is prized by gardeners for both ornamental appeal and culinary quality.
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Example Capricorne Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Capricorne Tomato
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Capricorne Tomato
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Capricorne Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; can be grown in 3-4 with season extension
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Get my Capricorne Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves; cotyledons may still be visible
Maintain consistent moisture and warm temperatures (70-75°F); provide bright light 14-16 hours daily; thin seedlings to prevent leggy growth
Vegetative
3-4 weeks after transplantingRapid stem and leaf growth; plant develops robust foliage and lateral branches; 12-18 inches tall at transplant stage
Harden off seedlings before planting outdoors; plant deeply to encourage strong root system; install stakes or cages early; maintain consistent watering
Flowering
3-4 weeksYellow flowers appear in clusters; first flowers typically appear 4-6 weeks after transplanting; plant reaches 24-36 inches
Begin regular fertilizing with balanced to low-nitrogen formula; maintain steady watering as inconsistency causes blossom-end rot; pollinate flowers if needed
Fruiting
4-6 weeksSmall green tomatoes develop from flowers; fruits grow to full size (3-4 inches) with characteristic ribbed appearance
Support branches with heavy fruit; maintain consistent soil moisture; prune excess foliage if needed for air circulation; reduce nitrogen fertilizer
Harvest
Ongoing throughout seasonFruits mature from green to full red color with distinctive deep ribbing; flavor develops as fruit fully ripens
Harvest at full color when fruit yields slightly to pressure; mature fruits continue to ripen off the vine; pick regularly to encourage more flowering
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Handpick caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; encourage parasitic wasps
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Remove lower leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply copper or sulfur fungicide; avoid overhead watering
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Remove infected leaves; apply fungicide at first sign; ensure good drainage and air flow; destroy infected plants
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Spray with water; use insecticidal soap; apply sulfur dust; maintain adequate humidity
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Plant resistant varieties; rotate crops; avoid overhead watering; sterilize tools; remove and destroy infected plants
Uses
Fresh slicing and sauces
CulinaryCapricorne's ribbed shape makes it visually striking on the plate and ideal for slicing. Its firm flesh and complex, sweet flavor make it excellent for fresh eating, salads, and traditional tomato sauces. [source]
Cooking and preservation
CulinaryThe firm flesh and good acid balance make Capricorne suitable for cooking, canning, and making coulis. Its concentrated flavor develops during cooking. [source]
Ornamental garden variety
HouseholdThe deeply ribbed, flattened shape and productive growth habit make Capricorne an attractive addition to ornamental vegetable gardens and decorative containers. [source]
French cuisine tradition
CulinaryAs a French heirloom variety, Capricorne holds cultural significance in French cooking and is prized for ratatouille, salade niçoise, and other classic regional dishes. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe abundant yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators throughout the growing season, making Capricorne beneficial for overall garden ecosystem health. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pick fruits when fully red and slightly soft to the touch; mature tomatoes continue to ripen off the vine if picked at the breaker stage (first blush of color); for peak flavor, allow to ripen fully on the plant; harvest regularly to encourage continued production; use sharp knife or twist gently to avoid damaging the plant
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Capricorne is a French heirloom variety that has been grown in European gardens for generations, prized for its distinctive flattened, heavily ribbed appearance that resembles a small pumpkin.
- 🌱 The name 'Capricorne' (Capricorn in English) reflects the tomato's appearance—the ribbing pattern is said to resemble the symbol of the Capricorn zodiac sign.
- 🌱 This variety is determinate, meaning it grows to a fixed size and produces most of its fruit in a concentrated period, making it ideal for preservation and sauce-making.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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