Tomato Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Shimmer' tomato presents with a distinctive, eye-catching appearance that sets it apart from other tomato varieties. The foliage of this plant is a lush green, typical to tomato plants, providing a vibrant backdrop to its fruit. The most striking feature of this variety is the fruit it bears. The tomatoes themselves are small and cherry-sized, with a unique, elongated shape that is not commonly seen in traditional cherry tomatoes. The vibrant colors of 'Shimmer' tomatoes are particularly noteworthy. The fruits exhibit a beautiful blend of colors, beginning green with hints of darker stripes when young and gradually transitioning to a rich, golden color brushed with hues of red and orange as they mature. This coloration gives the tomatoes an almost iridescent look, as if they are shimmering in the sunlight, hence the name 'Shimmer.' The skin of the tomatoes is smooth and taut, showcasing the vivid coloring and striping to great effect. The tomatoes grow in clusters, which adds to the visual appeal of the plant. Each cluster can have numerous small fruits, which often makes the plant look quite prolific and abundant. The contrasting colors of the ripening fruit at various stages provide a striking display against the green foliage. The overall appearance of the Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' makes it not only a productive plant for gardeners but also an ornamental addition to any gardening space, offering a feast for the eyes in addition to the palate.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Solanaceae.
Synonyms
Tomato, Garden Tomato, Cherry Tomato.
Common names
Solanum lycopersicum.
ToxicityTo humans
Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' is commonly known as the tomato plant. The fruit of the tomato plant is widely consumed and is non-toxic to humans when ripe. However, the green parts of the plant, such as the leaves and stems, contain alkaloids such as tomatine and solanine, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning from these parts of the plant could include gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, excessive ingestion could lead to drowsiness, confusion, or more serious health problems, but such extreme instances are rare and typically involve consuming a significant amount of green plant material.
To pets
The tomato plant, commonly known as the tomato plant, can be toxic to pets if they consume the green parts of the plant, which contain alkaloids like tomatine and solanine. These components are more concentrated in the leaves, stems, and unripe fruit. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the green parts of a tomato plant, it might experience symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, even heart problems. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the amount of plant material consumed and the size of the pet. It is generally advisable to prevent pets from accessing these parts of the plant to avoid any risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Tomatoes like 'Shimmer' are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants such as lycopene.
- Dietary Fiber: Consuming tomatoes can aid in digestive health due to their dietary fiber content.
- Low Calories: They are a great choice for weight management diets as they provide essential nutrients with low calories.
- Hydration: Being high in water content, tomatoes help in maintaining hydration levels.
- Culinary Versatility: Tomatoes can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from salads to sauces.
- Home Gardening: Suitable for home gardens, 'Shimmer' can provide a fulfilling hobby and fresh produce.
- Attracts Pollinators: Tomato plants attract bees and other pollinators, benefiting the garden's ecosystem.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Tomatoes, like Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer', are known to have high levels of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Vitamin Source: As a source of vitamins A, C, and E, tomatoes can contribute to immune function, skin health, and overall cellular integrity.
- Heart Health: Regular consumption of tomatoes has been linked to a reduction in LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, factors that are related to heart health.
- Cancer Prevention: There are studies that suggest the consumption of tomatoes may be linked to a lowered risk of certain types of cancer, mostly due to their lycopene content.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tomato ink: The juice from Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' can be reduced to create a natural dye or ink for art projects, giving a reddish hue to the materials.
- Seed starter pots: The halved and hollowed-out skins of Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' can be used as biodegradable seed starter pots for small plants or herbs.
- Tomato polishing agent: The acidic nature of Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' can be utilized to clean and polish metal surfaces such as brass and copper.
- Fruit-based solar cells: Research has explored using the natural pigments in tomatoes, like those of Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer', for creating more environmentally friendly solar cells.
- Photographic film developer: The acidic and chemical components of Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' juice could potentially be used in developing photographs in an alternative processing technique.
- Color fixative for fabrics: The juice from Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' can be used in natural dyeing processes to help fix the dye to fabrics due to its tannin content.
- Tomato vinegar: Overripe or unused Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' can be fermented to make tomato vinegar, which can be used for culinary or cleaning purposes.
- Pest deterrent in gardens: The strong scent of crushed tomato leaves from Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' can be used as a pest deterrent to keep insects away from other plants in a garden.
- Tomato pin cushion: Dried Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' can be filled with sand or other weights and used as whimsical, homemade pin cushions for sewing enthusiasts.
- Stimulating plant growth: The water used from boiling Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' skins can be cooled down and used to water other plants, potentially providing nutrients and stimulating their growth.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tomato is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tomato is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love: The tomato, as a bright and vibrant fruit, has long been associated with the emotions of the heart and passion. Perhaps because of its red color, which is traditionally linked to love and desire, tomatoes are thought to represent these intense feelings.
- Fertility: Because tomato plants are incredibly fruitful and produce a large yield of fruit, they symbolize fertility and abundance.
- Good Luck: In some cultures, the tomato is thought to bring good luck, likely because of its association with abundant harvests.
- Health and Healing: The nutritional value of tomatoes, being rich in vitamins and antioxidants, lends them to symbolize health and the power of healing and rejuvenation.
- Protection: Historically, tomatoes were believed to ward off evil and bad energies, thus symbolizing protection.
WaterTomato plants, such as the Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer', should be watered deeply and regularly to encourage strong root development. Typically, they require about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per week, but this can vary based on temperature and soil conditions. Water the plant early in the morning at the base, avoiding wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of disease. During hot weather or if you're growing tomatoes in containers, you may need to water daily. It's crucial to maintain consistent moisture, especially as the fruits develop, to prevent issues like blossom-end rot.
LightTomato plants, like the Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer', thrive in full sunlight. They should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for this tomato variety would be a south-facing garden bed or a location where the plant is exposed to unobstructed sun throughout the day. Full sun exposure is essential for the plant's growth, fruit set, and ripening.
TemperatureThe tomato plant Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' performs best in warm conditions with daytime temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures not dropping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can handle a maximum temperature of around 90 degrees but will suffer if exposed to frost or temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal growth and fruit production, maintaining an ideal temperature around the aforementioned range is crucial.
PruningPruning tomato plants like Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' increases air circulation, reduces the risk of disease, and can improve fruit size. Remove suckers, the small shoots that emerge from the stem joints, when they are 2 to 4 inches long. Prune the lower leaves to prevent soil-borne diseases and to keep the plant tidy. Pruning is typically done once the plant is 1 to 2 feet tall and continued throughout the growing season. The best time to prune is in the morning, when the plant is dry.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the best soil mix for tomato plants like Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer', use a well-draining mix composed of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and compost. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth. Regular fertilization is recommended during the growing season.
RepottingTomato plants, including Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer', generally do not require frequent repotting as they are annual plants. They should be planted in their final position whether in a pot or garden at the beginning of each growing season.
Humidity & MistingTomato plants like Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' prefer moderate humidity levels, typically around 40-70%. These conditions will prevent issues like fungal diseases, which can arise in overly humid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' in a sunny spot, water regularly.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun for Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer'; water and feed well.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer' is the Shimmer tomato. The life cycle begins with seed germination, which occurs when the seeds are sown in warm, moist soil and take 5-10 days to sprout. Following germination, seedlings grow with appropriate light and water until they are strong enough to be transplanted outside, which is typically after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F). The vegetative stage then follows, wherein the plants develop a strong root system and foliage, and after sufficient growth, the flowering stage commences, marked by the development of yellow flowers. These flowers, once pollinated, develop into fruit—the tomato—which goes through several stages of growth and ripening, transitioning in color from green to the characteristic red or other hues depending on the specific variety. Finally, after fruiting, if not maintained for multiple seasons, the plant will eventually senesce and die, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Solanum lycopersicum 'Shimmer', commonly known as the Shimmer Tomato, is often propagated by seed. The ideal time for sowing Shimmer Tomato seeds is in early spring, typically 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your region. To propagate Shimmer Tomatoes using seeds, start by filling a seed-starting tray or small pots with a sterile seed-starting mix. Plant the seeds at a shallow depth of about 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters), and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Place the tray in a warm location with temperatures between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius) as this will encourage germination, which usually takes 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings emerge and grow their first true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted into larger containers if necessary, always providing plenty of light to avoid weak, leggy growth. Before planting them outside, acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions by gradually exposing them to the sun and outdoor temperatures over the course of a week or two, a process known as hardening off.
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