Introduction and history
The Akker Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Akker’s Pink’) is a delightful heirloom variety known for its unique pink-hued fruits. Although not indigenous to South Africa, it has become a popular garden favourite across the country, loved for its sweet, juicy flavour and vibrant colour that stands out in any vegetable patch.
This variety traces its origins to improved cultivars bred for both taste and resilience. Gardeners appreciate the Akker Tomato for its reliable production and ability to thrive in the South African climate when given the right care. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a curious beginner, the Akker Tomato promises a rewarding harvest and a splash of colour on your plate.
💊 Medicinal Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene, which may support overall health.
- May help reduce the risk of chronic diseases due to its antioxidant content.
- Traditionally used for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Supports skin health thanks to its vitamin content.
- Note: These benefits are supportive and should not replace professional medical advice.
📅 When to Plant in South Africa
| Province | Best sowing months | Best transplanting months | Notes |
|——————-|————————-|——————————–|———————————–|
| Western Cape | August – October | September – November | Coastal and inland, mild frost risk, start seedlings indoors |
| Eastern Cape | August – October | September – November | Coastal areas benefit from early sowing |
| Northern Cape | August – September | September – October | Hot, dry inland; ensure irrigation |
| Free State | August – September | September – October | Inland, frost risk; start indoors |
| KwaZulu-Natal | August – September | September – October | Humid coastal climate, good for direct sowing |
| Gauteng | August – September | September – October | Inland with frost; seedling transplant recommended |
| Mpumalanga | August – September | September – October | Warm inland, good growing conditions |
| Limpopo | August – September | September – October | Hot climate; ensure shade in peak summer |
| North West | August – September | September – October | Dry, hot; irrigation essential |
🏡 Where to Plant
Akker Tomatoes do well planted directly in well-prepared garden beds or in containers. For containers, use pots that are at least 30cm in diameter to accommodate root growth. They thrive best in full sun but appreciate some wind protection, especially in exposed gardens. Microclimates with a bit of afternoon shade can help prevent heat stress during the hottest months. A greenhouse or tunnel can extend the growing season and improve yields in colder inland areas.
🌞 Soil, Water & Sunlight Requirements
✅ Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter is ideal. Loamy soils with good moisture retention work best.
✅ Sunlight: Full sun, at least 6–8 hours daily, is critical for flowering and fruit production.
✅ Water: Regular watering 2-3 times a week; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps conserve moisture.
✅ Fertilize: Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertiliser or compost tea to support growth and fruiting.
✅ Spacing: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) apart between plants to allow airflow and reduce disease risk.
✅ Seeds germinate: 7-14 days at 20-25°C; start seeds indoors or in a warm spot.
✅ Transplanting: Transplant seedlings at 6-8 weeks old after hardening off for about a week; plant deep to promote strong roots.
✅ Maturity height: Typically 60-150 cm tall depending on pruning and support.
✅ Varieties of the vegetable and easiest/hardest one to grow:
– Easiest: Akker Tomato (reliable, disease tolerant)
– Other popular types: Roma (hardier), Cherry Tomato (vigorous, needs more pruning)
– Hardest: Some heirlooms requiring precise conditions
🍓 Flowers & Fruit
Akker Tomatoes flower about 6-8 weeks after sowing, with fruit developing soon after pollination. They produce pink, medium-sized fruits known for their sweetness. To prevent premature bolting or going to seed, maintain consistent watering and avoid extreme heat stress. Using shade cloth during peak sun can help. Pollination is mainly by wind and insects, so encouraging pollinators like bees will improve yields.
🌼 Companion Plants
- Basil: repels pests and enhances tomato flavour
- Marigold: deters nematodes and aphids
- Nasturtium: traps aphids and attracts pollinators
- Garlic: natural pest deterrent
- Chives: boost growth and repel insects
- Carrots: improve soil structure
- Beans: fix nitrogen in the soil
- Avoid planting near cabbage family (cabbage, broccoli) – compete for nutrients
- Avoid planting near fennel – inhibits tomato growth
🐛 Common Pests
- Aphids: spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs
- Whiteflies: use sticky traps and neem sprays
- Tomato hornworms: handpick and destroy; encourage parasitic wasps
- Spider mites: increase humidity, spray with water and neem oil
- Use companion planting and maintain good garden hygiene to reduce pest pressure.
🧺Harvesting
Harvest Akker Tomatoes when fully pink and slightly soft to the touch, usually 70-80 days after sowing. Pick in the cooler morning hours to preserve flavour and freshness. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit to develop. Avoid leaving overripe fruit on the vine to prevent disease and pests.
🫙Storage
Store fresh tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight. For longer storage, keep in a fridge but bring to room temperature before eating for best flavour. Avoid storing in plastic bags; use breathable containers or paper towels. Tomatoes freeze well if chopped and blanched briefly or can be preserved as sauces or sun-dried.
🧪 How to Use as Medicine
- Fresh tomato juice may be used as a refreshing skin toner (apply externally).
- Add chopped tomatoes to salads to support antioxidant intake.
- Tomato pulp can be applied as a soothing poultice for minor skin irritations (test for allergy first).
- Start with small amounts when using medicinally; avoid if allergic or sensitive.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or if on blood-thinning medications without consulting a professional.
💊 Benefits of eating organic verses store bought
- Fresher, better flavour due to shorter time from garden to plate
- Fewer chemical residues and pesticides
- Supports soil health through organic growing methods
- Encourages biodiversity and healthy ecosystems in your garden
- Promotes local growers and sustainable farming
- Reduces carbon footprint by avoiding long transport
- Often higher nutrient density when harvested ripe
🎉 Fun Fact
Akker Tomato is known for its charming pink fruit colour, which is a rare and attractive alternative to the usual red tomatoes, adding a unique splash of colour to salads and dishes!
⚠️ Caution
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to tomatoes. Avoid if you have a known allergy to nightshades. Tomatoes contain compounds that can interact with certain medications; always consult a qualified healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication before using tomatoes medicinally.
📣 Call to action
Share your favorite recipe/remedy that uses Akker Tomato 👇
