The tomato variety 'Zuckertraube' is a high-yielding cocktail tomato. We present the sweet tomato in the profile.
The 'Zuckertraube' cocktail tomato bears large numbers of small, sweet fruits early in the summer. In this portrait you will learn everything about the properties and cultivation of the 'sugar grape'.
Sugar Grapes: Profile
| Fruit | cocktail tomato; deep red |
| Flavour | aromatic, very sweet |
| Maturity | early |
| Growth | Stick tomato, up to 3 m |
| Location | Pot, greenhouse, sheltered field |
Origin and history of the ‘Zuckertraube’ tomato variety
The tomato variety 'Zuckertraube' probably originated in Germany, but the exact breeder is not known. Seed companies such as Reinsaat KG from Austria propagate the 'sugar grape' as a preserver variety. It received its variety approval in 1994 and since then it has been part of the range of every tomato lover, but also in organic cultivation. Sometimes the tomato variety 'Mexican honey tomato' is also offered under the synonym 'sugar grape', but this is not a middle name, but two independent varieties.
Properties and taste of the cocktail tomato
'Sugar Grape' is an indeterminate variety, it grows indefinitely. It has strong growth, can become very tall and reach a height of 300 cm. The 'Zuckertraube' variety is an early ripening variety, the first fruits can be harvested from mid to late June. Harvest time lasts until the first frost.
The fruits of 'Sugar Grape' are round and deep red in colour. They are the size of a cherry and are therefore also offered as cherry tomatoes. The weight of each tomato is 15 to 20 grams. The fruits hang on the plant in long panicles. The taste is very good, aromatic and extremely sweet. The 'Zuckertraube' tomato variety is seed-fast and can therefore be propagated from its own seeds.
Special features of growing sugar grapes
The 'Sugar Grapes' is suitable for cultivation in pots, greenhouses and in the sheltered field. A rain cover protects the cocktail tomato from bursting open and other tomato diseases that can spread quickly through water droplets or high humidity. The young plants, which are sensitive to cold, should only be placed in the greenhouse from the beginning of May, and outside and in pots from mid-May after the ice saints. For planting in tubs, but also for difficult soil, we recommend using a high-quality potting soil such as our Plantura organic tomato & vegetable soil. This has a loose, water-storing structure and relies entirely on sustainable peat substitutes such as compost.
Fill about a third of a 10 liter planter with potting soil and put the 'sugar grape' in it. Alternatively, dig a deep planting hole in the bed or greenhouse. At least half of the plant should disappear into the bucket or hole in the ground. Pinch off any leaves that are too deep and fill them with soil. New, fine roots form along the plant stem when it comes into contact with the ground. In this way, the tomato plant grows well and quickly supplies itself with water and nutrients. Finally, water the 'Sugar Grapes' well and secure them with a stick.
Sugar Grape Tomato: Care
The 'Sugar Grape' cocktail tomato needs a good supply of water and nutrients throughout the summer. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, so they have a particularly high fertilizer requirement. From June it should therefore be fertilized regularly. With the help of an organic liquid fertilizer, the nutrient supply is easy to handle, especially on the balcony, but also outdoors and in the greenhouse. Our Plantura organic tomato & vegetable fertilizer is applied in a dosage of 5 to 15 ml to 5 liters of water when watering. The essential nutrients contained, such as potassium and nitrogen, thus reach the plant roots directly. Acute nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing of the lower leaves, can also be quickly cured in this way. Cutting down on tomatoes is an important measure for this fast-growing variety. By leaving up to four deep-seated stinging shoots, the cocktail tomato spreads more and becomes bushier. Flowers and fruits quickly form on the side shoots. All other shoots in the leaf axils are removed regularly. The additional shoots should be well tied.
Harvest and Use
From mid-June thefirst sweet fruits of the 'sugar grape' are harvested. By the end of the season, numerous fruits often come together. The variety is very suitable as a sweet tomato and is particularly popular with children because of its sweet taste. Cocktail tomatoes are also good for drying or pickling in oil or vinegar. Sweet, tasty spreads, ketchup or salsa are also a success with the sugar grape tomato.
Another particularly aromatic variety is 'Black Cherry'. We introduce you to the spicy, dark red-violet variety in the profile.