About this variety
Gnome Pit Viper (Solanum lycopersicum, family Solanaceae) is a compact 60–90 cm tomato with round, slightly flattened striped fruit of 100–180 g. The packet holds 10 seeds.
Fruit and plant
- Sturdy dwarf plant, 60–90 cm, for small gardens and containers
- Round, slightly flattened fruit of 100–180 g, firm
- Red and green stripes that mature to shades of mahogany and gold
- Sweet, tangy, earthy taste; for salads, slicing, roasting and salsa
Sow into soil at 16–29 °C
Tomato seed germinates well when the soil stays in its optimum range of 16–29 °C. At 20–30 °C seedlings typically appear in 6–8 days. Indoors, cover the seed with 3–6 mm of seed-starting mix. These figures are typical for the species, not a test of this packet.
Growing on
Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost and plant out, or into containers, once the danger of frost has passed, 45–60 cm apart. Its compact size needs only minimal staking. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil; water consistently, mulch and feed lightly.
When to expect fruit
Fruit ripens about 75–80 days after transplanting.
What you get
One packet of 10 seeds of Gnome Pit Viper. Tomato seed typically stays usable for 4 years or more when kept cool, dark and dry, so seed you do not sow this season can wait for the next.
FAQ
How do I know Gnome Pit Viper is ripe?
When the stripes have turned from red and green to mahogany and gold; green striping alone means the fruit is not ready.
Can it be grown in a pot?
Yes. The plant stays at 60–90 cm; space plants in a bed 45–60 cm apart.




