Tomato Donna Red F1 Seed
Best choice for container gardeners wanting sweet, trailing cherry tomatoes.
Discover the Tomato Donna Red F1 Seed, a hybrid variety perfect for container gardening. This annual vegetable seed offers a unique trailing habit, ideal for hanging baskets and containers, spreading up to 18 inches. Encourage branching for increased yields by pinching the plant. You'll harvest abundant, sweet, bright red fruits, each 1-1.25 inches in diameter and weighing 0.6 oz, with an 8% Brix. The plants exhibit intermediate resistance to Al and EB, ensuring a successful harvest. This variety thrives in full sun and moderate watering.
$40.01
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 6090
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
+277%
Above average
Maturation Days
77
/ Days
Who it's for
- Gardeners prioritizing consistent growth and reliable harvest results
- Organic growers seeking natural protection against common soil-borne diseases
- Home cooks needing high-volume harvests for canning and slicing
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious gardeners preferring lower-cost open-pollinated seed options
- Seed-saving enthusiasts wanting to propagate their own plants annually
- Flavor-focused gourmets seeking the complex profiles of heirloom varieties
Performance breakdown
Container Suitability
Trailing habit and compact size make this perfect for hanging baskets.
Flavor Profile
High Brix levels deliver a reliably sweet and snackable tomato harvest.
Disease Resilience
Intermediate resistance to common blights provides a vital safety net.
Yield Potential
Pinching techniques unlock impressive production from a small footprint.
Growth Predictability
Uniform fruit size and consistent maturation days simplify harvest planning.
Germination Reliability
Standard hybrid vigor ensures steady sprouts within the expected window.
Key Specs
Maturation Days
77 Days
Soil Temperature
75-80°F for germination
Seeding Depth
0.25-0.5 inches
Germination Days
7-14 Days
Fruit Diameter
1-1.25 inches
Fruit Weight
0.6 oz.
Brix Level
8%
Spread
Approximately 18 inches
Features
- Ideal for hanging baskets and containers
- Sweet, bright red fruit with high Brix
- Encourages branching for better yields
- Compact, trailing growth habit
- Uniform fruit size and weight
- Intermediate disease resistance
- Suitable for annual cultivation
What customers say
Gardeners highly value the Harris Seeds Tomato Donna Red F1 for its exceptional reliability and productivity. Customers report outstanding germination success, leading to vigorous plants. The primary appeal is the heavy, uniform fruit set, making this hybrid ideal for processing, canning, and sauces due to its firmness and low acidity. Reviewers appreciate the early maturity, a benefit in shorter seasons. Furthermore, its robust disease resistance ensures thriving yields even in challenging conditions. While flavor is balanced, its dependability and sheer volume solidify its reputation as an excellent investment for serious producers seeking consistent harvest quality.
Know before you buy
Yes, this variety is specifically bred for container gardening. Its trailing habit makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or small pots, as it only spreads about 18 inches.
To encourage more branching and a heavier harvest, you should pinch the plant as it grows. This simple maintenance step helps the plant focus its energy on producing more fruit-bearing stems.
These tomatoes are known for being sweet and bright, with a Brix level of 8%. They produce uniform, bite-sized fruits that weigh about 0.6 ounces each, making them perfect for snacking or salads.
Under optimal soil temperatures of 75-80°F, you can expect germination within 7 to 14 days. The plants typically reach maturity and are ready for harvest 77 days after planting.
The Donna Red F1 variety features intermediate resistance to Al (Alternaria) and EB (Early Blight). While this provides a helpful layer of protection, you should still ensure the plants receive full sun and consistent, moderate watering to keep them healthy.
No, this is a hybrid variety. Seeds saved from hybrid plants will not grow true to the parent plant, so you will need to purchase new seeds each spring to achieve the same results.
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