`Matina` cordon tomato - The reliable early starter

Anyone who grows tomatoes outdoors knows the problem: you wait seemingly forever for that first red fruit – and then the unpredictable weather ruins your plans. That’s where "Matina" comes in. This variety makes no compromises. It is extremely early to ripen, tough enough to withstand the elements, and tastes exactly how a classic garden tomato should taste.

Scope of delivery: Per plant in a 7cm pot.

Origin: The "Matina" tomato is a true piece of southern German garden culture! It was originally bred by the renowned traditional seed company Hild from Marbach am Neckar. Unlike many heat-loving varieties from the Mediterranean, this established, open-pollinated tomato is fundamentally adapted to the Central European climate, which is often somewhat unpredictable. You aren't bringing a delicate diva into your garden, but a tried-and-tested local classic developed precisely to deliver reliably and refreshingly early in our latitudes.

Not a diva, but a workhorse Matina is one of the most proven open-pollinated outdoor tomatoes for our latitudes. It was bred specifically for the Central European climate and withstands cooler early summer days far better than many sensitive, highly-bred varieties. You are not bringing a plant into your garden that panics at every rain shower, but a genuine piece of uncomplicated garden culture.

The honest taste of childhood Visually, Matina delivers the classic tomato ideal: bright red, perfectly round, and weighing about 50 to 70 grams. The skin is pleasingly crack-resistant, the flesh juicy yet firm enough to slice well. The most important thing, however, is the aroma: don't expect a watery supermarket compromise, but an intense, wonderfully old-fashioned tomato flavor with a perfect balance of fruit sweetness and refreshing acidity.

Reaching for the heights with potato-leaf foliage As a classic indeterminate (staking) tomato, Matina grows upward quickly, easily reaching 1.50 to 2 meters. What sets it apart visually from many other varieties is its large, dark green leaves. This so-called "potato-leaf" foliage not only looks striking but also gives the plant its particular robustness. Give it a sturdy stake and regularly pinch out the side shoots (suckers). This ensures it directs all its energy into the lush clusters of fruit.

The turbo in the vegetable patch Patience isn't your strong suit? Perfect. Matina is one of the earliest salad tomatoes in the gardening year. Quite often, you can bring in your first harvest as early as late June or early July, while everything is still deep green on other plants. And it doesn't stop there: it provides a continuous supply well into late autumn. Whether in a sunny outdoor bed or a large container (20 liters or more) on the balcony – it delivers reliably.

Off to the kitchen – what you can make with your harvest:

• The snack classic: Sliced thickly on fresh sourdough bread with butter, a little chives, and a pinch of sea salt. An honest supper that tastes of pure summer.

• Summer salads: Whether for a classic Caprese with mozzarella or in fine wedges with red onions and an oil-and-vinegar dressing – Matina doesn't get soggy immediately and keeps its bite.

• The snack tomato for on-the-go: With its handy size, it fits into any lunchbox without being cut and doesn't squirt when you bite into it. Ideal for trips or your lunch break.

• Sauce base: In midsummer, the plant often produces more fruit than you can eat fresh. Its balanced aroma makes Matina an excellent base for savory, preserved tomato sauces for the winter.

Put an end to worrying about your outdoor harvest. With Matina, you are choosing a high-yielding, robust, and absolutely delicious variety that will bring you joy from the beginning of summer well into autumn.