About Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights (Solanum lycopersicum) is a Metchosin Farm original variety, carefully bred for outstanding flavour, productivity, and adaptability. This indeterminate tomato produces abundant clusters of vibrant, multi-coloured fruit, ripening from bright orange to deep red. The 3-4cm tomatoes have a delicious balance of tangy sweetness when picked orange, while fully ripened red fruits develop a thicker flesh perfect for cooking.

With its prolific fruiting habit and versatility, Christmas Lights is ideal for fresh snacking, salads, roasting, and sauces. This uniquely bred variety is one we are proud to share with gardeners looking for flavourful, high-yielding tomatoes.

Where Can You Grow Christmas Lights?

Christmas Lights thrives in Zones 3-9, preferring full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. It grows well in garden beds, raised beds, and large containers, making it suitable for both small-space and field production.

History and Historical Uses

Developed through Metchosin Farm’s dedicated breeding program, Christmas Lights was selected for its high yields, exceptional taste, and adaptability.

Canadian Zone Information

Zones 8-9: Sow seeds indoors in January or February, transplant in April, and harvest from June to October.
Zones 5-7: Start seeds indoors in late February to mid-March, transplant in May, and harvest from July through September.
Zones 3-4: Sow seeds indoors in late March or early April, transplant in late May or early June, and harvest from mid-July to early September.

How to Grow and Harvest Christmas Lights

1. Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, transplant outdoors once soil warms.
2. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.
3. Support: Use stakes or cages to support the heavy fruiting clusters.
4. Pruning: Remove lower leaves and suckers to encourage airflow and prevent disease.
5. Harvesting: Pick orange for fresh tangy-sweet flavour or fully red for a richer, cooking tomato.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

1. Choose the Best Fruit: Select healthy, ripe tomatoes with desirable traits for seed saving.
2. Extract the Seeds: Slice the tomato and scoop seeds into a clean container with a small amount of water.
3. Fermentation: Let seeds sit for 2-3 days, stirring daily to break down the surrounding gel.
4. Rinse and Dry: Once seeds settle at the bottom, pour off the liquid, rinse thoroughly, and spread on a towel or screen to dry.
5. Store: Keep seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 5 years.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)