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Growing Chefs Choice Orange Hybrid Tomatoes in the Vegetable Garden

For Chef’s Choice Orange Hybrid tomatoes, initiate the growing process indoors 7-9 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.25 inches in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist during the germination period of 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have developed and the threat of frost has passed, transplant them into your garden plot, raised beds, or greenhouse. Maintain a spacing of 18-36 inches between plants to accommodate their indeterminate growth habit.

Throughout the growing season, provide support for the indeterminate vines, as they can sprawl and continue growing. Use cages or trellises to help support the plants. Chef’s Choice Orange Hybrid tomatoes exhibit resistance to various diseases, including Alternaria, Anthracnose, Fusarium Wilt, and more. However, it's advisable to monitor for common pests like hornworms and aphids, adjusting your watering schedule to prevent issues like blossom end rot. These tomatoes are known for their heat tolerance, making them well-suited for warmer climates.

Harvesting Chefs Choice Orange Hybrid Tomatoes

Harvest Chef’s Choice Orange Hybrid tomatoes when they reach full maturity, approximately 70-80 days from transplant. These indeterminate tomatoes will continually produce fruit throughout the season, allowing for a prolonged harvest. Look for firm, vibrant orange tomatoes, and gently twist or cut them from the vine to avoid damage. With a typical fruit size of 8-12 ounces, these tomatoes are perfect for salads, fresh eating, and slicing.

About Chefs Choice Orange Hybrid Tomato Garden Seeds

Chef’s Choice Orange is an F1 hybrid derived from the heirloom Amana Orange but with a significantly shorter maturity period of 75 days. This variety combines the wonderful heirloom flavor of an orange tomato with an early maturing trait. With a bright, almost neon internal color, these tomatoes offer superior taste and texture. The 2013 AAS winner produces fruits resistant to various diseases and can reach up to 1 pound in weight.

Chef's Choice Orange tomatoes are not only great for fresh consumption but also ideal for soups and sauces, as their intense color remains vibrant even when cooked. The plants, reaching 5 feet in height, have an indeterminate growth habit, covering the fruits well to protect them from sunburn.

While Chef’s Choice Orange tomatoes thrive in garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses, they can also be grown in large containers. However, due to their indeterminate growth habit and potential height, providing proper support and staking is crucial. While hanging baskets may not be the best choice due to their size and weight, containers on patios or balconies can still yield a bountiful harvest with proper care.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"To boost the sweetness and flavor complexity of Chef’s Choice Orange Hybrid tomatoes, consider incorporating a foliar spray made from a solution of organic seaweed extract during the growing season. Seaweed contains natural compounds that enhance the plant's stress tolerance, improve nutrient absorption, and contribute to the overall health of the tomato plants. Applying this seaweed spray every two weeks can result in a more robust and flavorful harvest. Additionally, be mindful of over-fertilization, as tomatoes tend to prioritize sugar production in response to slight stress, leading to tastier fruits."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Other Resources

• Guide to Tomatoes

Chefs Choice Orange Hybrid Tomato Seeds Per Package:

• 300 mg packet - Approximately 70 Seeds
• 0.25 oz - Approximately 1,700 Seeds
• 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 6,800 Seeds
• 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 27,200 Seeds
• 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 108,800 Seeds

Non-GMO Chefs Choice Orange Hybrid Tomato seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.