Alicante Tomatoes: Outdoor Growing Guide
Alicante tomatoes are one of the most popular and reliable outdoor tomato varieties grown in the UK. Known for their strong growth, excellent flavour, and dependable yields, they are often recommended as one of the best choices for gardeners growing tomatoes outside rather than under cover. Alicante tomatoes cope well with variable British summers and reward good care with a long cropping season of medium-sized, classic red fruits.
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This outdoor growing guide covers everything you need to know about growing Alicante tomatoes successfully — from sowing and planting to watering, feeding, training, harvesting, and managing common problems. Whether you are growing tomatoes for the first time or looking for a proven outdoor variety, Alicante remains a trusted and rewarding option.
What Are Alicante Tomatoes?
Alicante is a cordon (indeterminate) tomato variety, meaning the plant continues to grow and produce flowers throughout the season rather than stopping at a set height. Plants are vigorous and upright, producing trusses of round, medium-sized tomatoes with a rich red colour.
The flavour is well balanced, offering a good mix of sweetness and acidity. This makes Alicante tomatoes versatile for salads, sandwiches, cooking, and general kitchen use. Their dependable cropping and resilience to outdoor conditions have made them a favourite with UK gardeners for decades.
Although Alicante tomatoes can be grown under cover, they are particularly valued for their ability to perform well outdoors in warm, sheltered positions.
Why Alicante Tomatoes Are Ideal for Outdoor Growing
Outdoor tomato growing in the UK can be challenging due to unpredictable weather, cooler nights, and occasional wet summers. Alicante tomatoes are well suited to these conditions.
They are known for:
• Strong, vigorous growth
• Good tolerance of cooler outdoor temperatures
• Reliable fruit set in open ground
• Consistent cropping even in average summers
Compared to some modern varieties that need ideal conditions, Alicante tomatoes are forgiving and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for outdoor beds, allotments, and larger gardens.
When to Sow Alicante Tomato Seeds
Correct sowing time is essential for strong plants and good outdoor harvests.
Indoor Sowing Times
In the UK, Alicante tomatoes are usually sown indoors from late February to early April. For outdoor growing, late March to early April sowings often produce sturdier plants that adapt better when planted outside.
Seeds germinate best at temperatures between 18–22°C, with seedlings typically emerging within 7–14 days.
Avoiding Early Sowing Problems
Sowing too early without enough light often results in tall, weak seedlings. Unless you have grow lights or a very bright windowsill, avoid sowing too early in February for outdoor crops.
How to Sow Alicante Tomato Seeds
Fill clean pots or seed trays with fine, moist seed compost. Sow seeds thinly on the surface and cover lightly with compost or vermiculite.
Water gently and place the containers in a warm spot. Once seedlings appear, move them into the brightest position available.
When seedlings develop their first true leaves, prick them out into individual pots. Handle seedlings by the leaves rather than the stems to prevent damage.
Preparing Alicante Tomatoes for Outdoor Growing
Outdoor tomatoes need careful preparation before planting out.
Hardening Off
Before planting outdoors, Alicante tomato plants must be hardened off. This process gradually acclimatises plants to cooler temperatures, wind, and direct sunlight.
Start hardening off 7–10 days before planting by placing plants outside during the day and bringing them in at night. Gradually increase the time spent outdoors.
Choosing the Right Site
Choose a warm, sunny, sheltered spot with good air circulation. Alicante tomatoes need at least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day to crop well.
Avoid frost pockets and exposed areas where strong winds can damage plants.
When to Plant Alicante Tomatoes Outdoors
Alicante tomatoes should only be planted outside once all risk of frost has passed. In most parts of the UK, this is usually late May to early June.
Soil should be warm before planting. Cold soil slows root growth and delays plant establishment.
If late frosts are forecast, be prepared to protect plants with fleece or cloches.
Planting Alicante Tomatoes in the Ground
Soil Preparation
Tomatoes grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. Before planting, enrich the soil with garden compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and nutrient levels.
Avoid fresh manure, which can cause excessive leafy growth.
Spacing
Space Alicante tomato plants around 45–60cm apart. Adequate spacing improves airflow, reduces disease risk, and allows light to reach all parts of the plant.
Planting Depth
Plant tomatoes deeply, burying the stem up to the first set of leaves. Tomatoes form roots along buried stems, resulting in stronger, more resilient plants.
Growing Alicante Tomatoes in Containers Outdoors
Alicante tomatoes can also be grown successfully in large containers outdoors.
Choose pots at least 30–35cm deep and wide. Use high-quality compost and ensure good drainage.
Container-grown plants dry out more quickly than those grown in the ground, so regular watering and feeding are essential. Position containers in the sunniest, most sheltered spot available.
Supporting and Training Alicante Tomatoes
As a cordon variety, Alicante tomatoes require support throughout the season.
Use strong canes, stakes, or garden twine to keep plants upright. Tie the main stem loosely and check ties regularly to prevent damage as the stem thickens.
Removing Side Shoots
Side shoots grow between the main stem and leaf joints. Remove these regularly to maintain a single-stem structure.
Pinching out side shoots when they are small prevents plants becoming bushy and directs energy into fruit production rather than excess foliage.
Watering Alicante Tomatoes Outdoors
Consistent watering is one of the most important factors for successful outdoor tomatoes.
Water deeply and regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting plants dry out completely, followed by heavy watering, as this can cause fruit splitting and blossom end rot.
Water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves to reduce disease risk, especially in wet weather.
During hot spells, outdoor tomatoes may need watering every day.
Feeding Alicante Tomatoes
Alicante tomatoes are heavy feeders and need regular nutrition to crop well.
Once flowers appear and the first fruits begin to form, start feeding with a high-potassium tomato feed. Feed weekly, following recommended guidelines.
Plants grown in containers may need feeding more frequently, as nutrients are used up faster.
Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Flowering and Pollination Outdoors
Alicante tomatoes are self-pollinating, and outdoor growing usually provides sufficient airflow and insect activity to support good fruit set.
Cold nights, prolonged wet weather, or extreme heat can reduce pollination success. Stable conditions and healthy plants improve fruit set.
Sheltering plants from strong winds also helps protect flowers and developing trusses.
Pruning and Leaf Management
As plants grow, lower leaves may begin to yellow. This is normal, but removing older leaves gradually improves airflow and reduces disease risk.
Remove leaves that touch the soil, as these are more likely to develop fungal problems.
Avoid removing too many leaves at once, as this can stress the plant and reduce fruit development.
Harvesting Alicante Tomatoes
Alicante tomatoes are ready to harvest when fully red and firm with a slight softness.
Harvest fruits regularly to encourage continued cropping. Picking tomatoes as soon as they ripen helps the plant focus energy on producing new fruit.
In good summers, outdoor Alicante tomatoes can produce fruit from mid to late summer through to early autumn.
Common Problems with Alicante Tomatoes Outdoors
Tomato Blight
Blight is one of the biggest risks for outdoor tomatoes in the UK. Wet weather increases the risk significantly.
Reduce blight risk by:
• Improving airflow
• Avoiding wet foliage
• Removing lower leaves
• Watering at soil level
Remove affected plants promptly if blight appears.
Poor Fruit Set
Often caused by cold nights or prolonged wet weather. Sheltering plants and choosing a sunny position helps improve results.
Yellowing Leaves
Some yellowing is normal as plants mature. Widespread yellowing may indicate nutrient deficiency or watering problems.
Fruit Splitting
Usually caused by irregular watering. Maintain consistent moisture levels to prevent sudden swelling of fruits.
Growing Alicante Tomatoes on Allotments
Alicante tomatoes are a popular allotment variety due to their strong growth and reliable cropping.
Choose a sheltered plot position, rotate crops yearly, and avoid planting tomatoes where potatoes were grown the previous season to reduce disease risk.
Regular attention to watering, feeding, and side shoot removal leads to excellent results.
When to Stop Alicante Tomato Plants Growing
Towards late summer, usually around August, pinch out the growing tip above the final truss you want to ripen.
This directs energy into ripening existing fruit rather than producing new flowers that are unlikely to mature before cooler weather arrives.
As autumn approaches, remove flowers and very small green fruits that will not ripen.
Tips for Maximising Outdoor Yields
• Choose a warm, sheltered position
• Harden plants off thoroughly
• Water consistently
• Feed regularly once fruiting begins
• Remove side shoots frequently
• Improve airflow around plants
• Harvest ripe fruit promptly
Small, regular tasks throughout the season make a big difference to overall productivity.
Final Thoughts
Alicante tomatoes are one of the most dependable outdoor tomato varieties for UK gardeners. Their ability to cope with variable weather, combined with good flavour and reliable yields, makes them an excellent choice for gardens and allotments.
With correct sowing, careful hardening off, consistent watering, and regular feeding, Alicante tomatoes can produce a generous harvest even in average summers. For gardeners looking for a proven outdoor tomato variety that delivers year after year, Alicante remains a classic and highly rewarding choice.