Family: Solanaceae

Common name: ‘Red Robin’
Zone: 9 – 11
Height:  12-14 in (30-35 cm)  Spread: 10 in (25 cm)
Aspect: sun; partial shade
Soil: humus-rich; moist
Water: regular    

Days to maturity: 55 days from transplant
Seed life: 4 years

Description: An open-pollinated, dwarf bush (determinate), high-yielding variety with deep green potato-like leaves. Clusters of globe-shaped, red fruits measuring 1 to 1¼ inch (2.5 – 3 cm) in diameter, weighing ½ oz (14 gr) in mid- to late summer.

Special Notes: This variety is perfect for containers for growing outdoors on a balcony or small patio. It is also suitable for growing indoors although the yield will likely not be as high as if it were grown outdoors. Benefits from being staked to support the stalk.

Fruits are full of flavour and very juicy so be sure to pop the whole fruit in your mouth before you bite down.

How to use: Snacks; salads

In our Zone 7a garden: The first year I grew this variety, I transplanted the seedlings into 6-inch (15 cm) pots and placed them on my porch railing. I had to move them down to the porch step when a high wind knocked a couple of the pots off the railing.

It was interesting to find all descriptions I have come across about ‘Red Robin’ have noted its size as anywhere from 7 – 12 inches (18 – 30 cm) tall. My plants were 20 – 22 inches (50 – 56 cm) tall. I do not have an answer to this discrepancy other than perhaps it was the soil mix I make up for all of my potted plants because I certainly did not give them any other fertilizer than what I initially put in the pot.

Posted on September 8, 2021