Tomato Seeds - Slicing - Oxheart Orange
80 Days to maturity (from transplant). Solanum lycopersicum. Oxheart Orange Tomato Seeds. Non-GMO, warm-season annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, indeterminate, slicing tomato. Suitable for growing in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. A delicious heirloom. The orange version of the Pink Oxheart tomato. This variety has heart-shaped 10-12 ounce fruits with firm flesh and few seeds. Originated in Virginia. Has large vines that are best caged to protect the fruit from sunscald. ~10,000 seeds/oz.
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- Latin Name: Solanum lycoperscium (previously Lycopersicon esculentum)
- Hardiness Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Annual: Not intended to overwinter
- Days to Maturity: 80 (from transplant)
- Days to Germination: 7-10
- Seeding Depth: 0.25 inch
- Direct Sow: No
- Start Indoors: Yes. Start Indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date.
- Tomato Type: Slicing - Larger, round tomatoes, the size of your fist or larger.
- Plant Spacing: 24 inches
- Row Spacing: 24-36 inches
- Plant Height: 36-96 inches
- Plant Width: 24 inches
- Plant Spread: 24 inches
- Growth Habit: Indeterminate - Indeterminate tomatoes are vine-type plants that sprawl (requiring a cage or trellis to support them) and continue to grow throughout the season. Indeterminate tomato plants will continue to produce tomatoes for the rest of the season, so you can harvest continually.
- Growth Speed: Mid - Ready to harvest 70 to 80 days from transplant. Tricky to get a tomato by the 4th of July with these varieties. They are good mid-summer producers for most USDA Zones.
- Soil Preference: Well-draining, loose (sandy loam), slightly acidic (6.2 to 6.8), and moisture retaining. Too much nitrogen in the soil may lead to more foliage production and less fruiting. Tomatoes like more phosphorus and potassium than other vegetables.
- Temperature Preference: Warmer (70-85 F)
- Germination Temperature: 65-85 F
- Light Preference: Full Sun
- Pests and Diseases: Common pests known to harm tomato plants, in general, include the tomato hornworm, cutworm, aphids, flea beetles, tomato fruit worms, and whiteflies. Also, watch for common diseases such as blossom end rot, fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, late blight, bacterial canker/spot, and tobacco mosaic virus. Most of these can be prevented by maintaining a regular watering schedule and avoiding overwatering. Regularly check your plants for pest damage throughout the season. For treating pest and disease problems, we recommend using an organic neem-based product.
- Oxheart Orange Tomato Color: Orange
- Oxheart Orange Tomato Flavor: Sweet and juicy
- Garden Size: Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed
- Tomato Use: Fresh eating
- Climate Tolerance:
Growing Oxheart Orange Slicer Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden
Growing tomatoes from seed is a fulfilling and rewarding process that requires attention to various critical factors. The journey begins with obtaining high-quality tomato seeds. To kickstart the growing process, start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your region. Utilize a well-draining seed-starting mix and plant the seeds at a depth of approximately 0.25 inches. Consistently maintain moisture levels and provide adequate light, whether through natural sunlight or grow lights.
As the tomato seedlings germinate, it's crucial to ensure they receive sufficient light for healthy development. Aim for a minimum of 12-16 hours of light per day, and rotate the seed trays regularly to prevent the seedlings from leaning toward the light source. Maintain a warm and consistent temperature to support optimal growth during this early stage.When the seedlings reach a height of around 2 inches and develop true leaves, it's time for their first transplant. Gently transfer each seedling into larger containers filled with nutrient-rich potting soil, fostering robust root development. Select containers with proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Growing tomatoes in containers is a versatile option, ideal for those with limited space. Choose large containers that are at least 16-80 inches deep and wide with good drainage. Fill them with quality potting mix, and transplant the seedlings when they outgrow their initial containers. Ensure the containers receive ample sunlight, and provide support structures such as stakes or cages as the plants mature.
Before planting, test the soil for pH and nutrient levels to create optimal growing conditions for tomatoes. They generally prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 6.8. Additionally, implementing a crop rotation strategy is essential to prevent soil-borne diseases, so avoid planting tomatoes in the same location as the previous year.
Tomatoes are sunlight-loving plants, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, we recommend using full-spectrum grow lights. By carefully navigating each stage of the growing process, from seed selection to transplanting and providing adequate light, you can cultivate healthy tomato plants well-prepared for a bountiful growing season. Regular monitoring and adjustments based on the plant's needs contribute to successful tomato cultivation from seed to mature plants.
Harvesting Oxheart Orange Tomatoes
Harvesting tomatoes is a delicate task that involves gently twisting or cutting the fruits from the plant while leaving a small stem attached. This careful approach minimizes stress on the plant and preserves the fruit's quality. Harvesting at peak ripeness ensures optimal flavor and texture for your culinary efforts. For this indeterminate variety, continually check the plant for ripe fruits and harvest them as they set on to encourage more fruit production.
About Heirloom Oxheart Orange Tomato Garden Seeds
Oxheart Orange Tomatoes stand out in the world of tomatoes due to their unique characteristics and exceptional qualities, making them an enticing choice for gardeners seeking something distinct in their tomato harvest. This heirloom variety is renowned for its large, heart-shaped fruits that boast a vibrant orange hue, setting it apart from the more common red tomato varieties.
Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season, providing an extended harvest. Unlike determinate varieties that have a set mature size, indeterminate tomatoes offer continuous yields until frost. Gardeners often prefer indeterminate varieties for a prolonged harvest and the potential for a larger overall yield from a single plant.
What makes Oxheart Orange Tomatoes particularly appealing to gardeners is their rich and sweet flavor profile. These tomatoes offer a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity, making them versatile in various culinary applications. Gardeners often choose Oxheart Orange Tomatoes for their ability to elevate the taste of salads, salsas, sauces, and other dishes where a burst of sweet, citrusy flavor is desired.
Oxheart Orange Tomatoes are striking with their large, lobed shape resembling a heart. The vivid orange color adds a pop of brightness to both the garden and the plate, making them aesthetically pleasing in addition to their exceptional taste.
Beyond their culinary appeal, Oxheart Orange Tomatoes are often chosen for their adaptability and hardiness in various growing conditions. Their resilience against common tomato diseases and pests makes them a reliable option for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance yet high-reward tomato variety.
The fruits typically weigh in at impressive sizes of 10-12 ounces, providing gardeners with generous yields. Their thick flesh makes them ideal for slicing, adding a burst of color and flavor to sandwiches and burgers.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"My favorite way to eat tomatoes is on a BLT sandwich. Salt and pepper both sides of a large slice of tomato and add it between two slices of toasted wheat bread along with smoked, crispy bacon, fresh butterhead lettuce, and a good amount of a tangy mayo. That tastes like summer to me!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
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Oxheart Orange Tomato Seeds Per Package:
- 250 mg packet - Approximately 88 Seeds
- .25 oz - Approximately 2,500 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 10,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 160,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Oxheart Orange Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.