Name: 'Zitronentraube' Cherry Tomato - Solanum lycopersicum
Brand: Benjis Seeds
Price: 3.0 EUR
Availability: OutOfStock

'Zitronentraube' Cherry Tomato – rare specialty with a lemony aroma.

This variety is a lemon-yellow cocktail tomato with an exceptional sweet-tart flavor and a pronounced lemon aroma. It ripens mid-season and is ideally suited for cultivation in greenhouses, open beds, and large containers. Robust and high-yielding, it’s perfect for self-sufficient gardening and organic cultivation.

Origin & History

‘Zitronentraube’ is an open-pollinated cocktail tomato that was already circulating in seed exchange networks before the year 2000. It is distinguished by its unique aroma – even the flowers emit a delicate lemon scent. The variety likely originates from Central Asia and is especially appreciated by enthusiasts of open-pollinated tomatoes. Its distinctive flavor profile makes it a true asset in any variety garden.

Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows indeterminately as a stake tomato and reaches a height of approximately 220 cm. It develops widely spreading fruit clusters and bears vigorous, dark green foliage.

Fruit details:

Size: Small, approx. 15-30 g per fruit
Shape: Flattened round to slightly ribbed
Color: Bright lemon yellow with uniform coloring
Texture: Juicy, tender flesh
Flavor: Sweet-tart with intense lemon aroma – refreshing and aromatic

Usage & Cultivation Highlights

The fruits of the ‘Zitronentraube’ variety are excellent for fresh salads, as a flavorful snack, and for decorative garnishing of dishes. With their bright yellow color and refreshing lemon aroma, they are a true eye-catcher on any plate.

Thanks to its robustness, this tomato variety thrives reliably in protected outdoor beds, greenhouses, and large containers. Even in cooler autumn temperatures, fruit set remains stable and the fruits ripen consistently.

Compared to other cherry tomatoes, ‘Zitronentraube’ stands out for its intense flavor and versatility – ideal for gardeners who appreciate robust, open-pollinated tomatoes with exceptional character.

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Origin & Cultivation at a Glance

First mention:

Around 2000 - already widespread before

Origin:

Not officially documented

Breeder:

Not officially known – distributed through preservation initiatives

Propagation site:

Lower Saxony – Germany

Suitable for:

Open field, Greenhouse, Polytunnel, Balcony / pot, Urban gardening, Vertical cultivation

Care requirements:

Low – easy to care for, ideal for beginners.

Overwintering:

Not winter-hardy – can be cultivated outdoors as an annual. Can be overwintered in a greenhouse in mild climates.

Special features:

High-yielding, Sun-loving / sunny

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Cultivation guide for

<tc>Zitronentraube</tc>

Growing difficulty:

Medium

• In subtropical climates, pre-cultivation is possible from January - transplant outdoors from March in full sun, once day and night temperatures remain consistently above 15 °C.
• In temperate regions, start indoors from March – transplant outdoors in full sun from mid-May after the last frost.
• Sow in deep, well-drained, humus-rich and nutrient-rich loamy soil - 0.5-1 cm deep. Plant spacing: 50 × 70 cm.

Cultivation tips:

• Cherry and other small tomato varieties are usually grown with two to three stems to promote air circulation and fruit development.
• In temperate climates, a rain cover is recommended – a simple roof or plastic tunnel is sufficient.
• A sturdy support structure with tomato hooks provides secure hold for the stems, boosts yield, and makes plant care easier.
• When transplanting seedlings, plant them deep into the soil up to the base of the seed leaves – this encourages strong root development and supports healthy growth.
• Consistent watering enhances fruit quality and promotes healthy plant growth.
• At temperatures below 5 °C, plant growth slows significantly - cold stress can hinder development.
• Regular harvesting encourages new fruit set and increases overall yield.
• Biochar and rock dust improve soil structure and enhance the retention of nutrients and water.

Storage instructions:

Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark, and airtight environment to maximize shelf life and germination.

Detailed information on seed storage

Plant Profile

Plant details

Botanical name:

<tc>Solanum lycopersicum L. 'Zitronentraube'</tc>

Botanical family:

Solanaceae

Plant type:

Fruit vegetables

Growth habit:

Upright growth, Indeterminate growth habit

Plant width:

50 cm

Plant height:

220 cm

Root type:

Deep-rooted, Taprooted

Hardy to:

3 °C – only suitable for overwintering indoors or in a greenhouse.

Cultivation period:

5.5-6.5 months

Life cycle:

Perennial (grown as an annual)

Propagation method:

Generative propagation by seed, Propagation by cuttings

Propagation:

• This tomato variety is self-pollinating but can also cross-pollinate via insects. It belongs to the species Solanum lycopersicum and produces bisexual flowers.
• A minimum distance of 20–50 m from other tomato varieties is recommended for seed production to avoid unwanted cross‑pollination by insects.
• This tomato plant is perennial and forms clusters of flowers after blooming, which turn into fruit packed with seeds.
• Tomato seeds are ready for harvest when the fruits are fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch.

Sowing & Planting

Germination type:

Dark germinator, Warm germinator

Sowing depth:

0,5-1 cm

Germination temperature:

22-28 °C

Germination time:

6-14 days

Pot culture:

Requires a minimum container size of 15-20 liters.

Row spacing for baby leaf:

Not suitable for baby-leaf cultivation.

Plant spacing:

50 cm

Row spacing:

Pricking out / thinning out:

Thin out seedlings within 2 weeks after the formation of the first true leaf pairs.

Planting time:

Plant only in consistently warm weather – ideally after the last frosts, when both daytime and nighttime temperatures are mild. Tomato seedlings are ready to be planted outdoors about four weeks after potting up, once temperatures are consistently warm.

Soil

Soil type:

Deep, well-drained, humus-rich loam

Soil pH:

6.0-6.8 - slightly acidic to neutral

Nutrient requirements:

Heavy feeder

Soil moisture:

Evenly moist, Sensitive to waterlogging

Soil preparation:

Loosen soil deeply before sowing, Apply compost before planting., Apply lime to acidic soil., Prepare soil weed-free and with a fine crumb structure., Mulch layer for moisture regulation

Companion planting, Crop rotation & Harvest

Companion plants:

Bean, Carrot, Radish varieties, Onion, Garlic, Lettuce, Lamb’s lettuce, Spinach, Basil, Nasturtium, Calendula, Dill, Marjoram, Tagetes

Incompatible plants:

Eggplant, Physalis, Pepper / Chili pepper, Potato, Corn, Fennel, Pea, Beetroot, Celery, Cucurbits

Crop rotation guidelines:

• Do not plant after other nightshades – a minimum crop rotation interval of 3 years is recommended.
• Repeated cultivation at the same site increases disease pressure, leads to nutrient depletion, and impairs soil structure.
• Ideal previous crops include legumes, onions, root vegetables, and green manure – rotating crops supports healthy soil.
• Crop rotation with low-nutrient-demanding plants is recommended to prevent soil fatigue and maintain healthy growing conditions.
• Plan a green manure crop between heavy-feeding plants and this tomato variety to restore soil fertility.
• Avoid planting directly after heavy-feeding crops – allow the soil to recover and replenish nutrients first.

Harvest time:

Summer, Autumn

Sowing to harvest:

4-5 months

Harvested parts:

Fruits

Suitable for consumption:

Yes - edible raw or cooked.

Intended use:

Raw consumption, Diet cuisine, Low Carb, Decoration, Salad, Juice / juicing, To purée, Fermentation, Pickling

Care & Cultivation practices

Water requirements:

High

Plant care techniques:

Water regularly - even during dry periods, Fertilize, Removing side shoots, Create a climbing support, Maintain weed-free, Inspect regularly for pest infestation

Plant protection:

Well-ventilated location and good drainage recommended., Mulching recommended

Cultivation notes:

May develop mildew in damp weather – an airy location is recommended. Sensitive to waterlogging – use well-drained soil.

Other names

EN - English names:

• Cherry tomato • Cocktail tomato

DE - German names:

• Cherry Tomate • Cocktailtomate

PT - Portuguese names:

• Tomate-cereja • Tomate cherry • Tomatinho

ES - Spanish names:

• Tomate cereza • Tomate cherry

FR - French names:

• Tomate cerise

Further recommendations for you

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'Zitronentraube' Cherry Tomato - Solanum lycopersicum

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