Tomato 'Illini Star'

Illini Star likes a position of full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Illini Star is thought of as tender, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside. Planting Illini Star in loamy soil with a ph of between 5.5 and 7.5 is ideal for as it does best in weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil.

Start seeds indoors six weeks before last frost date.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 0.78 inches (2.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.78 inches (2.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 12°C / 54°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Illini Star about 42 days before your last frost date.

Plant to the first set of true leaves to promote strong root growth.

As Illini Star is tender, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out - wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.

This variety tends to be ready for harvesting by early summer.

This new open-pollinated tomato was developed by Merlyn Niedens based on a selection from some unknown Italian heirloom tomatoes.