What makes this competition extra special is that for the first time, the Wattie’s tomato seed used to grow their iconic canned tomatoes is available for purchase by the public. The field grown variety, aka Wattie’s ‘SuperRed’, is unique to traditional ‘beefsteak’ tomatoes. They grow as a bush and not a vine, with firm, flavour-packed fruit that are more elongated than round. The fruit is relatively high in natural sugars and lycopene, and the fruit on the bush ripen around the same time making them perfect for Wattie’s Canned Tomatoes.  Now they can be grown at home to enjoy fresh and for a season of homemade chutneys and relishes.

The SuperRed competition is looking for the home grower who can grow the heaviest total weight of tomatoes from a single plant. It is rumoured that at the Wattie's nursery one plant can yield up to 40kg of fruit. The big prize up for grabs is a family holiday to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown that includes flights, five nights’ accommodation, car hire, some fast-paced adventure activities and a cruise on the SS Earnslaw, with a total value of over $4,000. 

A weigh-in day on February 20 2016 will determine the winner, by which time the tomato plants will be laden with fruit. Each plant will be weighed according to strict rules provided by Wattie’s growers with first, second and third prizes awarded in every store, and the big winner declared with the heaviest total weight nationwide.

Palmers marketing manager, Janalle McMeekin, says that excitement is high around the competition, which commences on October 30 when SuperRed seedlings go on sale. “We are excited to be working with Wattie’s on this unique competition. Kiwi gardeners love growing tomatoes, so this competition is perfect for friends, family, neighbours and community groups to have a go and claim their bragging rights. Now is the perfect time to be planting tomatoes so we can’t wait to see the results on weigh-in day on February 20, 2016.”

From October 30, Kiwis can purchase a Wattie’s SuperRed Tomato competition seedling in Palmers and Palmers Planet stores for $19.99.  Included with the seedling is everything they need to get growing, including a felt bag to plant the seedling in, potting mix, plus a sachet of Liquid Gold fertiliser (the secret to making the plant thrive) and a leaflet with details of how to get the best results for when they go forth and grow.