Information on the Super Sioux Tomato

Culture

• If you start Super Sioux seeds indoors, prepare the garden two weeks before you move the seedlings to their permanent planting site. Choose a site with well-drained soil. Till the dirt, adding manure or fertilizer as you turn the soil. Transplant the seedlings or plant nursery stock in the garden after all danger of frost is past. Plant seedlings 2 feet apart. From the time the seed is planted, it takes Super Sioux about 75 days to produce ripe tomatoes. Because Super Sioux grows to almost 5 feet tall and produces all season long, use stakes or a tomato cage to keep the vine and its fruit off the ground. Super Sioux will attach itself to a cage; tie the vine to stakes manually. Water thoroughly after planting and make sure the plants receive at least two inches of water per week.

Fruit

• Once tomatoes begin appearing on the plant, Super Sioux keeps on producing fruit until the first hard frost arrives. The tomatoes are medium-sized, measuring 3 to 4.5 inches across and weighing 4 to 6 ounces. The fruit is slightly flattened on top and the thick, red skin has an orange cast. The flesh is firm and juicy, slightly acidic but flavorful. Super Sioux rarely develops skin cracks.

Pests and Diseases

• Super Sioux resists wilt but is susceptible to leaf spot caused by Septoria lycopersici, a fungus that may appear on the leaves after the first tomatoes appear on the plant. The small, circular spots can multiply and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall. The fungus does not affect the tomatoes, but the loss of foliage can cause a reduction in the number of tomatoes Super Sioux produces. Avoid overhead watering and remove all plant debris from the area to help prevent leaf spot. Fungicides suitable for home use are available at nurseries and garden centers. Check the label carefully to be sure the fungicide is safe for tomatoes and that it can control Septoria leaf spot. Aphids, flea beetles and tomato hornworm may attack Super Sioux, causing damage to the plant and fruit. Plant marigolds among the tomato vines to help repel insects. If an infestation becomes too heavy, use an insecticide formulated for the type of insect attacking the Super Sioux and check the label to be sure the product is safe for tomato plants.

Uses

• Like other tomatoes, Super Sioux is used fresh in salads, but its acidic nature also makes it an excellent choice as a flavor boost to homemade salsas. The high acid content is an asset for canning Super Sioux tomatoes. If you make tomato sauce with Super Sioux, add a small pinch of sugar to help tone down the acidity. To sweeten juice made with Super Sioux tomatoes, add a bit of carrot or any other vegetable that has a high sugar content.