How to Grow Stupice Tomato
Stupice Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum 'Stupice'
vegetableStupice is a cold-hardy, early-maturing heirloom tomato variety originating from the Czech Republic. It produces small to medium red fruits with excellent flavor and is prized for growing in short-season climates and cooler regions. The plant is relatively compact and determinate, making it suitable for containers and small gardens.
When should you plant Stupice Tomato in your zone?
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Example Stupice Tomato timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Stupice 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 Stupice Tomato
Around Jun 11≈ 55 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Stupice Tomato dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-8; exceptional choice for zones 3-4 due to cold tolerance and early maturity
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Get my Stupice Tomato timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with cotyledons (seed leaves) followed by first true leaves. Fragile and pale green.
Provide bright light 14-16 hours daily. Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain 65-75°F. Thin or transplant when second true leaf appears.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeks (indoors) or 2-3 weeks (after transplanting outdoors)Plants develop multiple true leaves and establish root system. Stems thicken and height increases. Stocky, bushy growth pattern.
Harden off transplants 7-10 days before outdoor planting. Provide consistent warmth (70°F+). Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Stake or cage early if needed.
Flowering
3-4 weeksYellow star-shaped flowers appear in clusters at leaf axils. Plant becomes more robust with visible branching.
Ensure adequate sunlight and air circulation. Maintain consistent watering to prevent blossom end rot. Avoid excessive nitrogen. Pollinate gently by shaking stems mid-morning.
Fruit Development
2-3 weeksSmall green fruits form and enlarge. Fruits begin showing color progression from green to light pink to red.
Continue regular watering (1-2 inches per week). Prune lower leaves to improve air circulation and disease prevention. Remove excess foliage if shading developing fruit.
Ripening & Harvest
1-2 weeks per harvest window; production continues until first frostFruits turn fully red, becoming glossy and slightly soft to gentle pressure. Peak flavor develops.
Reduce watering slightly to concentrate sugars. Harvest at full red or breaker stage. Leave slightly immature fruits on plant if frost threatens; ripen indoors.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick daily; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; encourage parasitic wasps
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Spray with water; use insecticidal soap; release ladybugs; neem oil as last resort
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Yellow sticky traps; reflective mulch; spray undersides of leaves with water or insecticidal soap
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Remove infected lower leaves; improve air circulation; mulch to prevent soil splash; apply copper fungicide if severe
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Ensure excellent air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper or sulfur fungicides preventatively in humid conditions
Uses
Fresh Eating & Salads
CulinaryStupice's exceptional flavor and manageable size make it perfect for fresh slicing in salads, eating out of hand, and garnishing. Its sweet-tart balance and meaty texture are ideal for simple tomato dishes. [source]
Sauces & Cooking
CulinaryThe concentrated flavor makes Stupice excellent for fresh sauces, salsas, and cooked preparations. Less watery than modern hybrids, making it efficient for reductions and paste. [source]
Nutritional & Health Benefits
MedicinalRich in lycopene, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Lycopene is a powerful carotenoid linked to heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]
Cold-Climate Gardening Solution
HouseholdStupice is renowned for thriving in short growing seasons and producing reliable harvests in zones 3-4 where other tomatoes struggle. Its early maturity ensures ripe fruit before frost. [source]
Seed Saving & Heritage Preservation
CraftAs an open-pollinated heirloom, Stupice seeds can be saved for future seasons, connecting gardeners to agricultural history and allowing for selective breeding of desired traits. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick fruits when fully red and yielding slightly to gentle pressure. Stupice ripens quickly on the vine. For extended season, harvest at the breaker stage (first pink blush) and ripen indoors at room temperature. Twist and pull gently or use pruners. Morning harvest after dew dries maximizes flavor. Enjoy fresh within 1-2 days of picking.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Stupice originates from the Czech Republic and was bred in the 1950s specifically for cool climates; its name references the Stupice region near Prague.
- 🌱 Despite being an heirloom variety, Stupice has remarkably disease resistance for its age, partly due to its natural vigor in cooler conditions.
- 🌱 The variety is so cold-hardy that it can set fruit at temperatures (55-65°F) where most modern tomatoes fail, making it invaluable for high-altitude and northern gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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